At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee aircraft assets from acquisition to redelivery, ensuring compliance and cost optimisation.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leading airline with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, great benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aviation industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Professional qualifications in aircraft engineering and experience in asset management required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon - Fri
Location: Heathrow / Crawley
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 3rd November 2025
Position Overview
Reporting to the Senior Manager – Aircraft Programmes and Asset Management, the Aircraft Asset Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of aircraft assets throughout their lifecycle—from acquisition and in-service management to end-of-lease redelivery. This role ensures contractual compliance, cost optimisation, and technical integrity across all aircraft programmes, working closely with internal stakeholders, lessors, and external partners.
Responsibilities
- Asset Lifecycle Management
- Lead aircraft redelivery programmes, ensuring compliance with lease return conditions and technical acceptance criteria
- Minimise in‑service cost of ownership by interpreting lease requirements and avoiding discriminatory practices
- Conduct feasibility studies for aircraft acquisitions, returns, and modifications
- Review and negotiate Letters of Intent, contract terms and lease documentation amendments
- Technical Leadership
- Provide technical input into aircraft specifications and modification scopes
- Review and validate engineering proposals and maintenance plans in relation to End of Lease
- Liaise with Engineering, Maintenance, and OEMs to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness
- Manage each aircraft End of Lease phase and re‑delivery against contractual obligations
- Ensure the aircraft is technically accepted on the date required
- Review and provide feedback on technical aspects of aircraft purchase and lease agreements and proposals
- Contractual and Financial Oversight
- Manage contractual obligations and associated costs within lease agreements
- Support budget planning and cost control through accurate forecasting and risk mitigation
- Ensure timely redelivery to avoid penalty rents and maintain operational schedules
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build effective relationships across internal departments and external partners
- Communicate programme status, risks, and opportunities to senior management
- Represent the company in negotiations with lessors, MROs, and regulatory bodies
About You
- Professional qualifications in aircraft engineering
- A technical background ideally with experience in an airline Part 145 or CAMO environment
- Previous practical experience in aircraft asset management
- Proven experience delivering aircraft acquisitions, integration into service and aircraft returns
- Excellent analytical and negotiation skills
- Strong project management and organisational capabilities
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence and lead cross‑functional teams
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Airlines and Aviation
Manager – Aircraft Assets in England employer: Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values safety and excellence in aircraft maintenance. Located in London, employees enjoy a vibrant city life alongside a competitive benefits package, making it a rewarding place to build a career in aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager – Aircraft Assets in England
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Virgin Atlantic for a Manager – Aircraft Assets. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager – Aircraft Assets in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Virgin Atlantic, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Virgin Atlantic, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Atlantic
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Virgin Atlantic.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Virgin Atlantic. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Virgin Atlantic love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.