But while airlines are eager to capitalize on the demand, many appear to lack the staffing to keep up.Bureau of Transportation Statistics data show that the number of full-time-equivalent employees at U.S. scheduled passenger airlines was nearly 14 percent lower in June 2021 than in March 2020. Tens of thousands of flight attendants took leave during the pandemic, the A.F.A. union said. American Airlines said about 3,300 flight attendants have yet to return from leave.“So many people were let go so quickly on extended leave of absence, early retirement, that they’re struggling to meet the travel demand,” said …
