DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
U.S. airlines' work force on a full-time equivalent basis grew
1.9% in June from a year earlier, according to the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
The latest monthly figures represent the seventh consecutive
increase in year-over-year employment as airlines enjoy a rebound
in air-travel demand. At the same time, they are increasing staff
levels cautiously amid high fuel prices and an uncertain economic
environment.
Total full-time equivalent employees reached 385,652 in June, up
slightly from May's 384,974, according to the department's Bureau
of Transportation Statistics. Full-time equivalent calculations
count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
Network carriers' work force grew 1.6%. Delta Air Lines Inc.
(DAL) had 3.7% more equivalent workers compared with a year ago,
while Alaska Air Group Inc.'s (ALK) Alaska Air posted the largest
decline among network carriers with a 1.6% drop in employment.
Discount carrier Virgin America led the major airlines with 26%
more workers. Spirit Airlines Inc. (SAVE) reported 14% more
workers, while JetBlue Airways Corp. (JBLU) reported a 7% increase.
Allegiant Travel Co.'s (ALGT) Allegiant Air reported a 4.1%
decline.
Regional airlines employed 1.5% more workers.
-By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909;
andrew.fitzgerald@dowjones.com