ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Delta Air Lines is recalling up to 65 pilots and approximately 200 flight attendants to support changes the company is making to build a profitable network, a key part of its Transformation Plan.
"We are extremely pleased to be able to bring pilots and flight attendants back to Delta to help ensure a smooth operation for our customers as we continue our efforts to build a profitable network," said Jim Whitehurst, Delta's chief operating officer. "The pilots will provide relief in certain aircraft categories and both groups will support what we expect to be another year of expanded destinations for our customers in 2007."
Over the last year, Delta has significantly expanded service to international markets and increased crew staffing levels will help the company fulfill operational needs. As part of its plan to build a profitable network, Delta has added more than 50 new international routes since fall 2006 and expects to announce new service to more international destinations later this year.
Recalled pilots will begin training in October and return to line flying for Delta shortly thereafter. This is the second pilot recall Delta has initiated this year, with the first 64 pilots recalled in June.
In addition to working to build a profitable network, Delta continues to make significant progress in all areas of its restructuring and remains on track to emerge from Chapter 11 during the first half of 2007. The company is already in the process of recalling 100 maintenance personnel, and is hiring in its Airport Customer Service and Reservations areas.
Delta also has a need for flight attendants who speak French and Spanish to support its extensive expansion across Europe and Latin America.
Delta Air Lines (Other OTC:DALRQ) offers customers service to more destinations than any global airline with Delta and Delta Connection carrier service to 292 destinations in 46 countries. With more than 50 new international routes added in the last year, Delta is America's fastest growing international airline and is the world's leading carrier between the United States and destinations across Europe, India and Israel with flights to 29 trans-Atlantic destinations. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers nearly 400 weekly flights to 48 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 461 worldwide destinations in 96 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
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