American Airlines recalls approximately 800 furloughed employees after new joint business

American Airlines recalls approximately 800 furloughed employees after new joint business

2010-10-07 03:36:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) -- American Airlines on Wednesday announced that it is sending recall notices to around 800 furloughed employees - 545 flight attendants and 250 pilots following a new joint business.

The employees have been recalled for active duties. Several factors contributed to the company's ability to recall, primarily its efforts to capitalize on new international flying and business opportunities with British Airways and Iberia, continuing to strengthen its cornerstone hubs, and preparing for it's pending alliance with Japan Airlines.

On Wednesday, a news conference in London announced the beginning of an alliance, which includes American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia.

The new joint business, which was approved by the competition authorities of the European Union and the U.S., allows the three airlines to cooperate commercially on flights between the European Union, Switzerland and Norway and the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Four new routes that will start next April as an early benefit of the new joint business, which include: New York JFK-Budapest, Chicago-Helsinki (operated by American), London Heathrow-San Diego (operated by British Airways), and Madrid-Los Angeles (operated by Iberia).

The first group of 25 pilots will be recalled in mid-November, and the company will continue to recall at a rate of approximately 30 per month. For flight attendants, recall notices will be sent in phases. The first notices will be issued to approximately 225 flight attendants this month; subsequent notifications will follow later in the year.

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