First Officer/Senior First Officer – Boeing
About Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Atlantic Airways, uniquely positioned as the UK’s only exclusively long-haul airline, offers an unparalleled opportunity to operate from its dynamic London Heathrow hub. This role provides the privilege of piloting state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to some of the world’s most iconic and glamorous destinations, ensuring an office view that is truly exceptional.
The Role of First Officer / Senior First Officer
This pivotal role within Virgin Atlantic's esteemed flight operations involves commanding technologically advanced Boeing 787 aircraft across an extensive global network. Successful candidates will become integral members of a highly professional flight crew, contributing significantly to the airline's unwavering reputation for operational excellence and its commitment to delivering an unparalleled customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
The First Officer/Senior First Officer is entrusted with demonstrating exceptional aircraft handling proficiency, comprehensive procedural and technical knowledge, and robust leadership capabilities. This role demands outstanding human factors awareness, coupled with a genuine passion and drive for potential future command opportunities within Virgin Atlantic Airways. The successful candidate will ensure an exceptional journey for Virgin Atlantic's customers by consistently delivering operational excellence, upholding the highest safety standards, and proudly leading the operation through values-based decision-making both in the air and on the ground.
What Virgin Atlantic Offers
Virgin Atlantic is deeply committed to the professional development and holistic well-being of its pilots. The airline offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by an outstanding array of benefits, industry-leading training, and secure permanent contracts. Significant opportunities for career progression to Senior First Officer and ultimately Captain are consistently provided. The comprehensive rewards and benefits package meticulously reflects an inclusive culture, designed to reward, support, and develop employees as they navigate their careers. Key benefits include:
- A selection of four distinct contract types, thoughtfully designed to support pilots throughout their career journey.
- Ten confirmed days off every 12 months, provided in addition to 35 days of annual leave.
- Enhanced flexibility to swap duties with colleagues.
- Access to nine different duty preferences, including early/late shifts and specific regional assignments.
- Opportunities to earn excellent extra working and disruption pay when volunteering for overtime.
- Access to industry-leading training and robust career development pathways.
- Comprehensive Private Medical Scheme.
- Life Insurance and Income Protection cover.
- Loss of license cover, inclusive of injury and illness.
- A generous contributory pension scheme, featuring company contributions of up to 15%.
- Industry-leading Staff Travel benefits.
- Access to a dedicated employee assistance programme and Digital GP service.
- Exclusive Virgin Group Discounts.
- A high-energy work environment that actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, complemented by several internal networks offering support, guidance, and assistance in the workplace.
Candidate Profile & Required Qualifications
Virgin Atlantic seeks dedicated and high-performing professional pilots who embody respect and teamwork, qualities fundamental to the airline's diverse pilot community. A genuine passion for flying, a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of aviation, and a steadfast commitment to contributing to Virgin Atlantic’s strategic goal of becoming the ‘Most Loved’ Travel Company are essential. To be considered for this prestigious role, applicants must meet the following stringent requirements:
- A minimum flight experience of 1500 hours as First Officer (FO) or 3000 hours as Senior First Officer (SFO) on a multi-pilot turbojet or a multi-pilot turbo-prop aeroplane, with a maximum take-off mass of not less than 10 tonnes or a certificated passenger seating configuration of more than 19 passengers.
- Current and qualified on one of the following Boeing aircraft types: 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, or 787.
- Possession of a current UK Class One Medical certificate.
- An Unfrozen ATPL license, issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), valid on the date of joining.
- The ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, certified as ICAO level 6 English Proficiency at the time of application.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is a proud equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging and valuing applications from all backgrounds. The airline celebrates diversity in all its forms, embracing the rich tapestry of experiences, ages, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, religions, and beliefs of its cherished colleagues and customers. Virgin Atlantic is profoundly committed to upholding an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, be their authentic selves, and feel a true and undeniable sense of belonging.