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Southwest Airlines recalls over 2,700 flight attendants for summer

FILE PHOTO: A Southwest Airlines Co. employee wears a protective mask while assisting a passenger at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 23, 2020. REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon/File Photo

(Reuters) - Southwest Airlines said on Thursday it is recalling over 2,700 flight attendants from leave to support its summer schedule, ending a voluntary furlough program introduced during the coronavirus pandemic as travel demand waned.

As more Americans become vaccinated, Southwest is among U.S. airlines signaling a recovery and trying to prepare for pent-up demand for domestic leisure travel.

Last week, the low-cost airline said it had recalled 209 pilots from a similar voluntary leave program.

Both recalls take effect on June 1.

The Dallas-based airline said it still has other employees participating in the voluntary extended time-off program, including 800 pilots.

Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Leslie Adler

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