Virgin Atlantic Launches Recruitment Drive
Join Date: Apr 1999
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60 aircraft by 2010? Do me a favour! Where on earth does he think he'll get the slots at LHR or LGW to double the airlines daily movements? What's the odds on him announcing a 30 aircraft order which is actually a single figure of purchases and the remainder options which are never exercised?
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Suffolk UK
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Dan, the Grenada/Tobago route was never going to start at a greater frequency than once a week! Even Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua were no more than twice a week when they started. As for the second Washington, it was cancelled post 9/11. Now there the market has returned, it is on again at three times weekly. What would you have us do - fly empty aeroplanes around? That's a great way to get us a long-term future! I don't know what the hold-up with the EU approval of Sydney is, but, as with all things to do with the EU, I would imagine it's simply beureaucracy as all the inter-governmental negotiations are complete.
As for the 60 aircraft ambition, Mr Butcher, who knows whether it will be fulfilled? A great many things can happen in 6 years in aviation - just look back over the last 6! However, slots at Heathrow are tradeable - Virgin has bought quite a few in the last year. Gatwick is not slot-critical, though it will be again before long. Again, slots can and will be bought. Other UK airports will hopefully also be brought into the equation - and then there is the mythical 'merger' with BMI.... As for 'options that are never exercised' - we've just exercised two on A340-600s. I reckon there will be more.
Thing is, no one's betting any money on your crystal ball!
As for the 60 aircraft ambition, Mr Butcher, who knows whether it will be fulfilled? A great many things can happen in 6 years in aviation - just look back over the last 6! However, slots at Heathrow are tradeable - Virgin has bought quite a few in the last year. Gatwick is not slot-critical, though it will be again before long. Again, slots can and will be bought. Other UK airports will hopefully also be brought into the equation - and then there is the mythical 'merger' with BMI.... As for 'options that are never exercised' - we've just exercised two on A340-600s. I reckon there will be more.
Thing is, no one's betting any money on your crystal ball!
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: South Warwickshire
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Quote "This is a little off topic but I was wondering if Anyone has heard any more news on Virgin USA....."
Isn't there talk of Branson tying up with a US airline? I think I heard it was US Airways
I hope this link still works
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/08...Airways+.shtml
Also rumors are that either SFO or BOS will be the carriers home base
Isn't there talk of Branson tying up with a US airline? I think I heard it was US Airways
I hope this link still works
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/08...Airways+.shtml
Also rumors are that either SFO or BOS will be the carriers home base
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Apparently the Sydney route is looking a bit iffy, as the EU are not happy with things. The sticking point seems to be that in order for Virgin to operate to SYD via HKG with 5th freedoms, we had to give up a slot at LHR to Cathay to have 5th freedoms to JFK from LHR. The people in Brussels are apparently saying that if CX can do that then why not allow KLM or AF to operate trans-atlantic from London. I will watch and wait with interest.
As far as time to command goes, the people doing their left seat now have been in about 8 years, which will stretch out in my opinion to 12-14 years for people joining now. Looking at the age demographics, guys joining in about 5 years, will probably wait 8-10 years, but who really knows?
As far as time to command goes, the people doing their left seat now have been in about 8 years, which will stretch out in my opinion to 12-14 years for people joining now. Looking at the age demographics, guys joining in about 5 years, will probably wait 8-10 years, but who really knows?
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Europe...the country?
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Wheelbarrow,
With 60 new airlplanes by 2010, however silly that may sound to some, I would have thought that the time to command would be within 5-10 years. Is that a bit too optimistic? Anyway, others have responded with negatives such as staying in the hotel room due to lack of funds...what exactly is the take home pay for a first year FO?
Thanks
With 60 new airlplanes by 2010, however silly that may sound to some, I would have thought that the time to command would be within 5-10 years. Is that a bit too optimistic? Anyway, others have responded with negatives such as staying in the hotel room due to lack of funds...what exactly is the take home pay for a first year FO?
Thanks
Join Date: Dec 2002
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No-one is at VS for the money. The day Mrs Bob and I start a family is the day that I'll probably have to move on.................
Even after 8 years, the lifestyle, the fantastic people you work with and the overall experience is what I'm still here for
Even after 8 years, the lifestyle, the fantastic people you work with and the overall experience is what I'm still here for
Join Date: Dec 1997
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Pnooze Interesting snippet there on Sydney - I was beginning to get the feeling that the Cathay connection could be a problem..... However, these things have been sorted before and probably will again.
Virgin dosh Check www.ppjn.com for a reasonably accurate picture of Virgin's pay rates. While they don't match BA (but then we don't work as hard), they're better than most other UK airlines. I can't comment on comparisons with other likely employers, such as the Gulf airlines, Singapore, Cathay and others, but I dare say you'll find info on them also at PPJN.
On 2003/4 rates, an FO with 5 years experience will clear about 3100GBP/month after tax/NI, but before pension contributions (co. pays 15% if you pay >6%), and will get approximately $100/day expenses (after tax) when down route. Loss of licence, Permanent Health Insurance (i.e. critical illness cover), private health cover and death in service cover are all included, at or about (UK) industry-standard levels.
Virgin dosh Check www.ppjn.com for a reasonably accurate picture of Virgin's pay rates. While they don't match BA (but then we don't work as hard), they're better than most other UK airlines. I can't comment on comparisons with other likely employers, such as the Gulf airlines, Singapore, Cathay and others, but I dare say you'll find info on them also at PPJN.
On 2003/4 rates, an FO with 5 years experience will clear about 3100GBP/month after tax/NI, but before pension contributions (co. pays 15% if you pay >6%), and will get approximately $100/day expenses (after tax) when down route. Loss of licence, Permanent Health Insurance (i.e. critical illness cover), private health cover and death in service cover are all included, at or about (UK) industry-standard levels.
