At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate Airbus aircraft on long-haul flights, ensuring safety and exceptional service.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leader in aviation with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible duties, and industry-leading training.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, flying to global destinations while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 1,500+ flight hours for First Officers; current Airbus type rating required.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
The role
You’ll operate Airbus aircraft on long‑haul sectors from London Heathrow, upholding Virgin Atlantic’s high standards of safety, professionalism and service. As a key member of the flight deck, you’ll combine precise aircraft handling with excellent decision‑making and strong human factors to deliver operational excellence every flight.
What you’ll do
- Demonstrate excellent aircraft handling and adherence to SOPs across all phases of flight.
- Maintain extensive procedural and technical knowledge of Airbus systems and company operations.
- Deliver a consistently exceptional customer journey while meeting on‑time and performance targets.
- Champion safety, compliance and just culture in every decision—on the ground and in the air.
- Exhibit strong leadership, communication and crew resource management; model outstanding human factors.
- Make values‑based decisions aligned to Virgin Atlantic’s standards and operational priorities.
- Operate long‑haul services from Heathrow to destinations worldwide.
Minimum requirements
- Flight time: minimum 1,500 hours (First Officer) or 3,000 hours (Senior First Officer) on multi‑pilot turbojet/turboprop aircraft with MTOW ≥ 10 tonnes or > 19 passenger seats.
- Current type rating on Airbus A320, A330, A340, A350 or A380.
- Unfrozen ATPL issued by the UK CAA with valid Airbus type rating upon joining.
- Current UK Class One Medical Certificate.
- ICAO Level 6 English Proficiency.
- Military applicants welcome: prior experience on C‑17 Globemaster, A330 Voyager, Poseidon, A400M Atlas, RC‑135, Wedgetail AEW, or Envoy IV.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive salary.
- Four contract types available.
- Ten confirmed days off every 12 months plus 35 days’ annual leave.
- Duty swap flexibility with colleagues.
- Nine duty preferences (e.g., early/late patterns and regional preferences).
- Excellent overtime and disruption pay.
- Industry‑leading training, career development and a clear pathway to Captain.
- Private Medical Scheme.
- Life Insurance and Income Protection.
- Loss of license cover (including injury and illness).
- Generous contributory pension scheme (up to 15% company contribution).
- Industry‑leading Staff Travel benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Digital GP service.
- Virgin Group discounts.
- An inclusive workplace with active diversity and inclusion support networks.
Airbus First Officer & Senior First Officer – Long‐Haul Operations (London Heathrow) employer: Pilot Assessments
Pilot Assessments in Liverpool is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and professionalism are paramount. With a strong emphasis on crew resource management and leadership development, employees benefit from ongoing training and growth opportunities, all while being part of a supportive team dedicated to excellence in aviation. The vibrant city of Liverpool adds to the appeal, providing a rich cultural backdrop for both work and leisure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Airbus First Officer & Senior First Officer – Long‐Haul Operations (London Heathrow)
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Pilot Assessments.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Pilot Assessments. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Airbus First Officer & Senior First Officer – Long‐Haul Operations (London Heathrow)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Pilot Assessments, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Pilot Assessments and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Pilot Assessments. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilot Assessments
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Pilot Assessments.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Pilot Assessments.
