As Many As 40 Per Month 'For The Foreseeable Future'

It looks like American Airlines will start recalling furloughed pilots beginning in January of next year, and will continue to bring back pilots in small numbers for the long term.

In a message sent to the airline's pilots Wednesday and forwarded to ANN, Captain John Hale (pictured), the airline's vice president of flight, said "I'm very happy to take a moment this Thanksgiving holiday to announce that due to operational needs combined with recent and expected retirements, we will resume recalling pilots early next year. Right now, we are looking at about 40 pilots a month for the foreseeable future with the first class scheduled to begin January 9, 2013.
 
"We are making this announcement now so that pilots who have previously deferred recall, but who wish to return in January, will have sufficient time to provide the 30 days’ notice of deferral cancellation. Additional information regarding the recall, including a Q&A and onboarding logistics, will be posted to AAPilots in the days ahead.
 
"I know you will join me in welcoming our furloughed pilots back in to our cockpits. I'd like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving."

The airline continues to move through bankruptcy proceedings, with an agreement with the pilot's union the last of its labor issues to be resolved.

FMI: www.aa.com