US Airlines Work Force Increases 1.9% In June -DOT

  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; [e-mail]