Virgin Atlantic has opened up recruitment for First Officers across both Airbus and Boeing fleets for the first time since 2020.
The airline said that demand for First Officers comes as it increases capacity across its network.
New flying includes its first ever service to Austin, Texas which launched in May 2022.
The airline had also launched a new route to Tampa, Florida which starts on 3rd November alongside a seasonal service to Cape Town, South Africa, which begins on 5th November.
Estelle Hollingsworth, Chief People Officer, at Virgin Atlantic commented:
“Our pilots head up our flying operation every day, making the difference that our customers see and feel when they fly Virgin Atlantic.
“They give our customers an exceptional journey, delivering consistent operational excellence in the sky whilst maintaining our highest safety standards.
“At Virgin Atlantic, our purpose is to inspire everyone to take on the world, championing inclusivity, and our challenger spirit.
“Ensuring our Pilot community is made up of diverse backgrounds, remains a core priority for us and we welcome anyone with a genuine passion for aviation to apply for these exciting positions.”
The airline said that this round of pilot recruitment follows cabin crew recruitment earlier in the year which saw a record number of applications – 10,000 applicants for 800 roles.
Applicants come from a wide range of ethnically diverse backgrounds, alongside those who felt comfortable disclosing disabilities.
In June 2022, in line with its focus on inclusion and individuality, the airline relaxed its tattoo policy for all its uniformed staff including pilots.
Following the impact of the pandemic, Virgin Atlantic said that it was the first airline to create a holding pool to welcome back pilots and cabin crew when increased flying allowed.
All the hold pool pilots who passed interviews have re-joined or have confirmed start dates.
Virgin Atlantic is now ready to restart external recruitment.
The airline anticipates it will need 100 additional pilots by summer 2023 with a further 60 by summer 2024 and a further 40 by Summer 2025.
Virgin Atlantic is working with Zenon as an exclusive recruitment partner. For further information and to apply visit https://virg.in/FirstOfficers
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