Southwest says it needs all flight attendants back at work this summer

In another sign that air travel is rebounding, Southwest told 3,000 flight attendants and pilots on leave it'll need them back on the job by this summer.

Southwest was able to avoid involuntary layoffs and furloughs that other airlines imposed during last year's downturn. It accomplished that after 4,000 of its 61,000 employees took buyouts and early retirement packages. Southwest also encouraged other employees to take voluntary leaves of absences, allowing them to continue with reduced pay and benefits if they did so. But with air travel and bookings coming back, Southwest says it will recall all flight attendants who are currently on a voluntary leaves -- more than 2,700 of them. They are needed to "support the upcoming summer schedule," spokesman Brian Parrish told CNN.