Plan to replace retirees includes rehiring pilots

DALLAS (AP) -- American Airlines says it plans next year to recall a portion of the 2,400 pilots it has laid off since 2001 to replace hundreds of retiring captains.
The number of pilots to be rehired is unclear. The airline says about 300 of its 10,000 pilots retire each year.
American, the biggest U.S. carrier, is expanding capacity by about 6 percent this year.
However, much of that is by replacing seats that had been removed to make more legroom and won't increase demand for pilots.
The airline might also need more pilots if it wins the right to begin new flights to China.
Company officials have told employees that American hopes to begin service from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Shanghai and Hong Kong. American still needs approval from China to fly the routes.
The China service would add about 100 pilots, according to union officials, The Dallas Morning News reported.
The Fort Worth-based carrier would like to boost its profile in Asia. This year, it added service between Los Angeles and Tokyo.
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