Virgin Atlantic Airways | First Officer

First Officer/Senior First Officer – Boeing

About the Role

Virgin Atlantic Airways invites applications for the position of First Officer or Senior First Officer, responsible for operating its advanced Boeing 787 fleet. As the UK’s sole exclusively long-haul airline, Virgin Atlantic offers an unparalleled opportunity to fly to some of the world's most glamorous destinations, providing pilots with truly exceptional 'office views'. This role is ideal for high-performing, motivated professional pilots who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer journeys and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and safety.

Key Responsibilities

The successful First Officer/Senior First Officer will demonstrate exceptional aircraft handling capabilities, extensive procedural and technical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and an acute understanding of human factors. This position requires a commitment to consistent operational excellence and adherence to rigorous safety standards. The role involves leading operations, making values-based decisions both in the air and on the ground, and offers a clear pathway for development towards a future Commander position within Virgin Atlantic Airways.

What We Offer

Virgin Atlantic is deeply committed to the development and well-being of its pilots. The airline provides a competitive salary, industry-leading training, and secure contracts. Significant career progression opportunities exist, including advancement to Senior First Officer and Captain roles. The comprehensive rewards and benefits package reflects an inclusive culture and is designed to support and develop its people. Core benefits, in addition to a competitive salary, include:

• Choice of four contract types to support various career stages.
• Ten confirmed days off every 12 months, in addition to 35 days of annual leave.
• Flexibility to swap duties with colleagues.
• Nine different duty preferences, including early/late shifts and specific geographical regions.
• Opportunity to earn excellent extra working and disruption pay for volunteering for overtime.
• Industry-leading training and career development opportunities.
• Private Medical Scheme.
• Life Insurance and Income Protection.
• Loss of license cover, encompassing injury and illness.
• Generous contributory pension scheme, with company contributions up to 15%.
• Industry-leading Staff Travel benefits.
• Access to an employee assistance programme and Digital GP service.
• Exclusive Virgin Group Discounts.
• A dynamic work environment that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, supported by various internal networks for support, guidance, and assistance in the workplace.

Qualifications and Experience

The pilot community at Virgin Atlantic is diverse, emphasizing respect and teamwork as fundamental values. Candidates must possess a genuine passion for flying and all aspects of aviation, aspiring to contribute to the airline's goal of becoming the ‘Most Loved’ Travel Company. Essential qualifications include:

• A minimum of 1500 hours of flight time for First Officer applicants, or 3000 hours for Senior First Officer applicants, accrued on a multi-pilot turbojet or 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 qualification on one of the following aircraft types: Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, or 787.
• Possession of a current UK Class One Medical certificate.
• An unfrozen ATPL license issued by the UK CAA, valid on the date of joining.
• Demonstrated high level of proficiency in English, certified as ICAO level 6 English Proficiency at the time of application.

Diversity and Inclusion

Virgin Atlantic is an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The airline celebrates difference and fosters an inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. At Virgin Atlantic, everyone is empowered to be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.