Continental to recall furloughed pilots

The Air Lines Pilots Assn. representing Continental Airlines pilots said Friday that it has been informed that CO will be “recalling all of its pilots from furlough.”

According to ALPA, CO furloughed 147 pilots in September 2008 (ATW Daily News, Sept. 11, 2008). Fifteen were recalled earlier this year and the remaining pilots are “expected to begin returning for training sometime during the last quarter of 2010."

“With the increases in flying due to increased passenger traffic and anticipated aircraft deliveries, combined with normal pilot attrition rates, we have been saying for months that we needed our pilots back in order to adequately maintain the level of service that Continental is known for,” said Capt. Jay Pierce, chairman of the Continental pilots unit of ALPA.