(Reuters) -Southwest Airlines has recalled 209 pilots from a voluntary extended leave program to support its summer schedule, the company said on Monday, as airlines prepare for a recovery in demand as more Americans receive COVID-19 vaccines.
The pilots will return to active status on June 1 and will then complete all of the necessary requalification training requirements before they fly with passengers.
Among other major U.S. carriers, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) have also recalled pilots who were sidelined during the pandemic.
United Airlines, which reached a deal with its union to keep pilots active throughout the downturn, said last week it was preparing to hire about 300 pilots as travel demand rebounds.
Low-cost airlines have also recalled pilots and are hiring again.