At a Glance
- Tasks: Fly iconic routes and ensure top-notch safety and customer experience.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, the UK's only long-haul airline with a passion for aviation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible contracts, private medical schemes, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team, with opportunities for growth and leadership.
- Qualifications: 1500+ flight hours required; must hold a valid ATPL and type rating.
- Other info: Work in a high-energy environment that values teamwork and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 63000 £ per year.
Airbus First Officer / Senior First OfficerJoin to apply for the Airbus First Officer / Senior First Officer role at Virgin Atlantic
Fleet Type: Airbus
Contract: Permanent
Location: London Heathrow
We\’re not like other airlines. As the UK\’s only long-haul airline, you\’ll fly out of Heathrow to some of the world\’s most iconic destinations. When it comes to office views, our pilots have the best seat in the house, flying some of the world\’s most technologically advanced aircraft, including the A330 Neo and Airbus A350-1000.
Day to dayIn this role, you will showcase exceptional aircraft-handling skills backed by comprehensive procedural and technical knowledge. Your strong leadership will fuel your passion and drive, preparing you to become a future Commander at Virgin Atlantic.
As a motivated, high-performing pilot, you\’ll provide our customers with an outstanding flying experience, upholding operational excellence in the air while maintaining our rigorous safety standards. You\’ll lead by example, making values‐driven decisions both in‐flight and on the ground, ensuring every journey reflects the highest level of professionalism.
About youBeing a great pilot at Virgin Atlantic takes more than technical expertise — it starts with who you are in and out of the flight deck.
Teamwork is at the heart of every successful flight, so collaboration, great communication skills, respect, and leadership are essential. A passion for aviation and a commitment to safety, service, and continuous learning are what set our pilots apart.
Alongside these core qualities, you\’ll also need to meet the following technical requirements:
A minimum experience of 1500 hours (FO)/ 3000 hours (SFO) of flight time on a multi‐pilot turbojet or a multi‐pilot turbo‐prop aeroplane, having 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 the A320, A330, A350 or A380
Hold a current UK Class One Medical
Unfrozen ATPL licence issued by the UK CAA, with a valid type rating when joining us.
The ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English (certified as ICAO level 6 English Proficiency when applying)
What we offerAt Virgin Atlantic, we\’re dedicated to supporting our pilots\’ development and wellbeing. From competitive salaries and secure contracts to world‐class training and clear pathways for progression to Senior First Officer and Captain, we provide everything you need to build a rewarding and long‐term career in the skies.
As part of the Virgin Atlantic team, you\’ll enjoy a range of rewards designed to support you both in and out of the flight deck.
Flexible contract options after 12 months – contracts that give you the work/life balance you want
Command opportunities within 7-9 years
Private Medical Scheme
Access to our employee assistance programme and Digital GP service
Life Insurance and Income Protection
Loss of license cover, including injury and illness
Generous contributory pension scheme (up to 15% company contribution)
Virgin Group Discounts
Red Rewards – your gateway to an array of exclusive discounts
A high‐energy work environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion and several internal networks for support, guidance, and assistance in the workplace
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Virgin Atlantic by 2x
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Airbus First Officer/Senior First Officer employer: Virgin Atlantic
Contact Detail:
Virgin Atlantic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Airbus First Officer/Senior First Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former pilots at Virgin Atlantic. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Airbus fleet, especially the A330 and A350 models. Being able to discuss specific features and operational procedures of these aircraft will demonstrate your commitment and technical knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational and behavioural interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences in teamwork and leadership. Think of examples that showcase your ability to handle challenges and make values-driven decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest aviation regulations and safety standards. Showing that you are proactive about continuous learning and safety will resonate well with Virgin Atlantic's commitment to operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Airbus First Officer/Senior First Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant flight experience, especially the required hours on multi-pilot turbojet or turbo-prop aircraft. Include your qualifications, such as your ATPL licence and type ratings, to demonstrate you meet the technical requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for aviation and your commitment to safety and service. Highlight your leadership skills and teamwork experience, as these are crucial for the role at Virgin Atlantic.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since great communication is essential for this position, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language and structure your documents well to reflect your ability to communicate effectively in the cockpit.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is vital for a pilot's role. Consider asking a colleague or mentor to review it as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Atlantic
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise in detail, especially regarding the Airbus fleet. Familiarise yourself with the A330 Neo and A350-1000 systems, as well as any recent updates or innovations in aviation technology.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your leadership experiences during the interview. Share examples of how you've led a team in high-pressure situations, ensuring safety and operational excellence, which are crucial for a role at Virgin Atlantic.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since teamwork is vital in aviation, be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Provide specific examples of successful communication strategies you've used in previous roles to enhance team performance.
✨Express Your Passion for Aviation
Let your enthusiasm for flying and commitment to continuous learning shine through. Discuss any additional training or certifications you've pursued and how they contribute to your growth as a pilot.