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United Airlines to Hire New Flight Attendants for First Time in More than Four Years
November 11, 2005
CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2005 – United today announced that it will hire 2,000 flight attendants, the first time the company has added to its flight attendant ranks in four years.
Beginning Nov. 13, United will accept applications exclusively at united.com/flightattendant for positions based in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Training is set to start in early 2006.
“We have essentially completed our restructuring, and we are in a much better position to compete,” said Pete McDonald, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “United is moving forward, and we’re creating opportunities for our current employees and those interested in being part of United.”
“We’re looking for people who have a passion for customer service as well as a commitment to safety,” said Jane Allen, senior vice president of Onboard Service. “Our flight attendants play a key role in shaping our customers’ travel experience, and we’re looking for men and women that can build on the successful work that our flight attendants do today."
The attributes essential for new hires were developed through collaboration with active United flight attendants. The company conducted internal surveys and focus groups that provided the basis for the company’s recruitment efforts, which will target candidates who have skill or experience in superior customer service, flexibility, good interpersonal and communication skills, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, integrity, dependability, and conscientiousness, as well as those who exhibit a professional image.
United, which marked the 75-year anniversary of the flight attendant profession earlier this year, offers one of the most extensive flight attendant training programs in the industry. The seven-week curriculum covers customer service, emergency procedures and first aid, aircraft equipment, food and beverage service, as well as an overview of United’s business. The company expects to begin training on January 9, 2006.
Upon applying online, applicants will receive immediate feedback whether or not they will proceed to a face-to-face interview. The interviews will take place in both Chicago and Washington.
About United
United Airlines (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) operates more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 790 destinations in 138 countries worldwide. United's 57,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com . # # #
United Airlines Boeing 777 taking off at Schiphol Airport 

The besieged airline industry received some good news today, United Airlines plans to hire 2,000 flight attendants.  This is the first time in four years United has increased the number of flight attendants it employs. 

United Airlines, the second largest US carrier, furloughed many flight attendants as a result of decreased air travel after September 11th.  At one time 5,500 flight attendants were on furlough.  United finished recalling flight attendants on October 31st.  The airline's problems were further aggravated by soaring fuel prices forcing the company to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy which it plans to emerge from in 2006.  

The new hires are intended to replace retirees and flight attendants who decided not to return from furlough. 

United stated that it will begin accepting applications November 13th at  United flight attendant application page