200 Pilots Have Jobs Once Again

Though its future as a stand-alone character remains uncertain, Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday plans to recall approximately 200 additional pilots in 2007. This latest recall expands on the approximately 250 previously furloughed pilots that have been recalled since June 2005.

"Delta pilots are key to our plan and the ongoing transformation of our international network and we are thrilled to be calling more of our people back to work," said Jim Whitehurst, Delta's chief operating officer. "By every indication, including this and other recent employee recalls, Delta's plan is working and we are on track."

"Flight Operations is very pleased to be recalling more of our pilots back to service at Delta. We look forward to further supporting the company's network restructuring and international expansion," said Captain Steve Dickson, vice-president of Flight Operations and a 757/767 Captain. "This is a very positive development and I am hopeful that we will be able to offer recall to all remaining pilots on furlough this year based on Delta's plans for international flying."

Much of the new flying is a result of the 2007 international expansion, and Delta's planned acquisition of 13 Boeing 757 aircraft.

Delta also has assembled a team to oversee a revamped pilot hiring process should the need for new-hire pilots come to fruition after the completion of furlough recalls next year.

Earlier this month, Delta announced a recall of 700 maintenance professionals and 1,000 flight attendants.

To date in 2006, Delta has announced the recalls of approximately 900 maintenance professionals and 1,200 flight attendants. In September, Delta announced its second pilot recall of 2006, with a total of approximately 130 pilots recalled this year. The company continues to hire in its Airport Customer Service and Reservations divisions.

Delta tells ANN it continues to make significant progress in all areas of its restructuring, and remains focused on its plan to emerge from Chapter 11 during the first half of 2007... without any "help" from US Airways Group, which launched a hostile takeover bid two weeks ago.

FMI: www.delta.com