Arpey announced the recall as part of the launch of a new transatlantic business between AA, British Airways and Spanish airline Iberia on Wednesday.
Arpey says that the recall includes 250 pilots and around 550 flight attendants.
He says the closer ties with BA and Iberia had contributed to the American airline's ability to recall employees: "This is exactly the kind of growth we're looking for and my hope is that trends like this will continue."