Says Nearly 600 Will Be Brought Back To Address ‘Future Staffing Needs’

United Airlines said in a news release Thursday that it will recall nearly 600 pilots currently on furlough to address the airline's future staffing needs. No United pilots will remain on furlough following the recall.

"We look forward to welcoming back our co-workers as we complete work to integrate all of our pilots into a single work group," said Howard Attarian, United's senior vice president of Flight Operations. "We are pleased to have this group of talented aviators back on our team. They are among the most experienced and most accomplished in the industry."

Training classes for the recalled pilots will begin next month and run through the end of the year. In total, United has more than 12,000 pilots.

The airline laid off nearly 1,000 pilots back in 2008 as the economy dipped. The Wall Street Journal reports that the recall will fill positions that will come open as older pilots retire. The airline also expects to need additional pilots as new crew rest rules take effect.

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