Furloughed Workers Needed For Upgrade And Overhaul Projects

American Airlines plans to ramp up several maintenance projects in 2008, and it's hiring back as many as 250 workers to handle the increased business.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports American will recall the maintenance workers for locations worldwide, to handle work ranging from landing gear overhauls on mainline Boeing 777 and 737s, and American Eagle regional jets; engine checks on older 737s; and installing new business-class seats on several of its planes.

American also plans to build on its maintenance operations, as it brings in work from other airlines.

"We've got a lot going on," airline spokeswoman Tami McLallen said.

Some of the recalled workers will replace maintainers who are retiring, or leaving. New employees will be hired if not enough furloughed workers answer the call, or are unavailable for jobs requiring specific skills.

The employees are needed at American's maintenance operations in Fort Worth, Kansas City and Tulsa, McLallen said, as well as line maintenance operations worldwide.

About 2,800 maintenance workers are on furlough with American. Officials with the Transport Workers Union, which represents maintenance workers at the airline, applauded the development.

"For us to be moving in this direction gives us a stronger sense of the financial condition of the company," said John Conley, who oversees the union's chapters for American employees. "It seems to indicate a further stabilization of the company."

FMI: www.aa.com, www.twu.com