First Officer / Senior First Officer – Airbus

Location: London Heathrow, Hounslow, UK

Contract Type: Permanent

Application Deadline: 30-07-2026

Position Overview

Virgin Atlantic is seeking highly motivated First Officers and Senior First Officers to join our flight operations team. As the UK’s only exclusively long-haul airline, we operate from London Heathrow to diverse global destinations using a technologically advanced fleet, including the A330 Neo and A350-1000. Successful candidates will be responsible for delivering operational excellence, maintaining high safety standards, and demonstrating the leadership potential required to transition into a Command role.

Key Responsibilities

Demonstrate exceptional aircraft handling, technical proficiency, and procedural knowledge.
Provide leadership and make values-based decisions during flight and ground operations.
Ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for all passengers.
Uphold the airline’s commitment to safety and innovation.

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Flight Experience: Minimum of 1,500 hours (FO) or 3,000 hours (SFO) on a multi-pilot turbojet or multi-pilot turbo-prop aircraft (MTOM ≥ 10 tonnes or seating capacity > 19 passengers).
Type Rating: Current and qualified on A320, A330, A340, A350, or A380 fleets.
Licensing: Unfrozen ATPL issued by the UK CAA with a valid type rating upon joining.
Medical: Must hold a current UK Class One Medical.
Language Proficiency: Demonstrated high level of proficiency in English (ICAO Level 6).
Military Applicants: Must have previous operational experience on C17 Globemaster, A330 Voyager, Poseidon, A400M Atlas, RC-135, Wedgetail AEW, or Envoy IV.

Compensation and Benefits

Virgin Atlantic offers a competitive salary package paired with comprehensive benefits designed to support career development and personal well-being:

Working Flexibility: Choice of four contract types, 35 days annual leave plus 10 confirmed days off per 12-month period, duty swap flexibility, and nine distinct duty preference categories.
Financial Rewards: Generous contributory pension scheme (up to 15% company contribution), life insurance, income protection, and extra pay opportunities for voluntary overtime.
Healthcare & Protection: Private Medical Scheme, loss of license cover (including injury and illness), and access to a Digital GP service.
Professional Development: Industry-leading training and clear progression pathways to Senior First Officer and Captain roles.
Lifestyle: Industry-leading staff travel benefits, Virgin Group discounts, and access to an employee assistance programme.

Diversity and Inclusion

Virgin Atlantic is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.