May 29, 2010

Delta Air Lines plans to hire about 300 pilots later this year to help offset retirements and meet needs as it increases the use of wide-body aircraft.

Spokesman Kent Landers said on Friday the move does not necessarily indicate plans to grow but reflects changes in the mix of planes as the carrier modifies some aircraft. Delta still expects to have fewer planes net of retirements and additions.

Delta said earlier this year that it would spend USD$1 billion over the next few years to equip planes with flat-bed seats that offer extra legroom, upgrade lighting and add other amenities such as more overhead bin space. Delta has also said it expects to keep capacity essentially flat this year.

The Atlanta-based company, which became the world's biggest air carrier with the 2008 purchase of Northwest, has about 12,000 pilots.

(Reuters)

Source: http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1275103343.html