Originally Posted by
ThunderstormFactory
so does every ATR pilot have to be hired onto 737 before virgin considers external recruitment?
800 pilots have a right of return for 5yrs. All a little complex
The answer is yes and no. If a pilot bids for a position and then turns it down they are on an administrative freeze for 18months (locked out).
Also some pilots are working elsewhere and may have decided not to come back. Others have taken the redundancy and moved on. Others will be restricted by what bases are on offer. Ex VAINZ pilots will be required to move to Australia. So while there is 800 pilots in a pool the company can tap on the shoulder for the next 5yrs not all will take up the offer. The important date is October 2024 for any pilots that may be wishing to turn down a role as if they turn down a role after that date they would effectively be locked out for 18months and fall of the list come April 2026. It would interesting to see if Virgin re offers a position or would externally recruit.
Realistically I can’t see external positions being offered until after the 5yrs. 800 pilots is a lot of growth and retirements regardless of the mechanics involved with right of return.