United Airlines calls back flight attendants

Chicago – United Airlines has called back 600 flight attendants who earlier took voluntary layoffs, and company officials said they will invite 851 more to return to work by late fall.

The first group will return to work by Aug. 9 and the rest will be recalled by the end of November. The bankrupt airline, which announced the move Friday, will have invited back all flight attendants who agreed to take layoffs by December, United spokesman Jeff Green said.

More flight attendants are needed partly because United planes are flying closer to capacity because of increased passenger demand, Green said. Last week, United reported that its planes flew 88.1 percent full in June, representing a record monthly load factor.

The week ahead

Tuesday

Senate Banking Committee hearing on bank deregulation.

Intel, Gannett, Johnson & Johnson, Merrill Lynch issue quarterly reports.

Economic indicators: May trade balance.

Wednesday

Securities and Exchange Commission considers hedge fund regulation.

Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on drug imports.

Bank of America, Apple Computer issue quarterly reports.

Economic indicators: June retail sales.

Thursday

Senate Banking Committee holds hearing on hedge fund regulation.

Citigroup, Marriott, Wachovia, Tribune issue quarterly reports.

Economic indicators: June producer prices and industrial production.

Friday

Economic indicators: June consumer prices, July consumer sentiment.