NEW YORK » US Airways said yesterday it will add 500 flight attendants and pilots next year mostly to cover planned retirements and attrition.

It will offer the jobs to furloughed employees first and then hire from outside the company. The plan is to fill 420 flight attendant openings and 80 pilot spots.

After the recall the Tempe, Ariz., airline will have up to 100 pilots on furlough but no more flight attendants on that list.

When the process is complete, the airline will have about 4,970 active pilots and 7,300 active flight attendants. US Airways plans to add seats internationally next year but keep domestic numbers flat.

Most of the new and returning employees will be flying by July.

Delta Air Lines said last month that it planned to add back 1,000 flight attendants, including recalling 425 who were on a voluntary furlough.