Delta to Pilots: Come Back Soon

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines plans to have a full roster of pilots by October, according to a memo from flight operations management.

“Looking ahead, we’re preparing to potentially build back to 2019 levels of flying by summer 2023.

“ …we will … begin the process to return all remaining affected pilots to active flying status by October,” stated Delta SVP and COO John Laughter in the memo. “This decision is a significant step to position Delta for the network recovery and supports projected customer demand.”

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“Looking ahead, we’re preparing to potentially build back to 2019 levels of flying by summer 2023,” he added. “Even with this momentum going forward, we must keep in mind that there continues to be uncertainty and choppiness in the path ahead, so we need to stay agile and ready to adjust quickly. Our customers will dictate the pace of our recovery. We also must remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 by maintaining strict health and safety practices at work and home. We cannot fall back this close to the finish line.”

Delta expressed appreciation, that even with the continued pandemic crisis plus harsh weather conditions, employees were always keeping safety at the forefront of the services.

Delta has about 12,000 pilots after more than 1,800 took early retirement packages last year. Another 1,700 have been on inactive No-Fly status.

To avoid furloughs last November, Delta and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) agreed on a deal of pay cuts for furlough protection through January 2022.

Delta pilots union chairman,  Jason Ambrosi, called the company's recent staffing decisions "positive signs"

While the recall process starts this month, retraining pilots will require several months.