American Airlines is planning to recall or hire 200-250 maintenance employees to meet staffing needs in 2008 for an anticipated increase in workloads. The latest recall follows plans American announced late last week to recall 247 flight attendants to meet projected attrition and staffing levels for next year as well. The expansion of American’s maintenance workforce is set to start this month, and continue through the first quarter of next year. Staffing levels at line maintenance facilities and at the carrier’s three main overhaul bases should increase. American predicts rising workloads in several different areas including landing gear overhaul on its Boeing 777s/737s, and landing gear overhauls on American Eagle’s Embraer ERJ fleet. The carrier also plans to start heavy checks on General Electric CFM56-7 engines that power its 737-800s. The carrier’s maintenance division is also handling the installation of new lie-flat seats and enhanced in-flight entertainment in business class on 767-300s, and first and business class on 777-200s. Earlier this year American’s parent company AMR Corporation said it would invest up to $100 million to grow its third-party maintenance business.