Virgin Atlantic Questions - the Master Thread! (Merged)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 9
From: Blighty
A question for current Virgin guys (and gals). Does the contract still just mention a 'London base' with crews flying out of both LHR and LGW?
I ask because there's a thread in this forum regarding Jet2's dual basing policy. I hated the LGW trips because they were so inconvenient. Just wondered if they still provide the 'Limo'.
I ask because there's a thread in this forum regarding Jet2's dual basing policy. I hated the LGW trips because they were so inconvenient. Just wondered if they still provide the 'Limo'.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Close to Wales
We are all LHR based. Fly a Gatwick trip & duty begins an extra hour earlier than for a Heathrow trip. Limo has turned magically into a bus! That said, I've only done 1 LGW trip in 2 years. However, the 747 guys & girls......
Thinking of coming back?
Thinking of coming back?
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 6
From: Suffolk UK
Dan, there's no Gatwick base as there was in the days of the Classic; we are all LHR based. Whether the LGW base will return as all the 744s move down there is moot.
I live equidistant from both places, fortunately!
I live equidistant from both places, fortunately!
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 9
From: Blighty
I remeber my contract said 'London'. The report time was an hour earlier and the 'Limo' was always a bus. Of course the bus went every hour, so it could be the case that you had to report at the Queens building 1h55 before your 'report' time. Plus the added hassle of getting to the car park and then the Queens building, you could have to get to LHR 2hr30 before reprting at LGW. Just what you wanted before a 2 crew Florida Variation. Of course most people who traveled from the west just carried on driving down the M25. We usually got two of those a month on the 744.
Ex vicar. Not thinking of returning. I've had it with long haul - and I couldn't afford it.
PS. Good night out last week. How much did I drink?
Ex vicar. Not thinking of returning. I've had it with long haul - and I couldn't afford it.
PS. Good night out last week. How much did I drink?
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: At work
Scroggs, just a quick question: does VS usually provide 2 staff car park passes (for LHR and LGW) or do you always have to report at LHR and then "limo" down to LGW in case you have to fly from there?
Many thx!
Many thx!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 6
From: Suffolk UK
Car park access is arranged as required. If you need Gatwick access, you will have it. You would get LHR access automatically.
Dan, my contract still says 'Gatwick' That was amended by letter to 'Heathrow' (not 'London') when I moved to the 'Bus. I'm not sure what new contracts say.
Dan, my contract still says 'Gatwick' That was amended by letter to 'Heathrow' (not 'London') when I moved to the 'Bus. I'm not sure what new contracts say.
aka Capt PPRuNe
Joined: May 1995
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 3
From: UK
Mine says Heathrow and I got a MAN car park pass because I commute from there. You can report directly to your departure airport, LGW or MAN if you want to but your FDP will always start at LHR for a LGW flight and a positioner the day before for a MAN flight.
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Shropshire,uk
Hi what amount of time is there between trips? (A340 at LHS). how does this work out with the commuting from manchester? Is there a minimum "DAYS OFF" . i have decision to make and travel time etc is a big part. thanks
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 6
From: Suffolk UK
Virgin Roster (and other stuff).
It's amazing what a search will reveal. Even a read through this very thread would be quite productive.
It's amazing what a search will reveal. Even a read through this very thread would be quite productive.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bus time may be an advantage but it is not a must have. I was given an A340 course with only Boeing time. From what was said at interview, I think they put a premium on the right people rather than look for people with type ratings. That said I'm sure bus time is an advantage.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Around the Globe...
Virgin Atlantic
Hi Folks! I have, like many of you, an application with Virgin for quite a while now and have updated it every year... I am now thinking of writing a standard "paper"-Application to their address. What do you think? Appropriate? Too offensive? Not desperate but very keen on joining the team... Thanx for any advice! Happy Easter
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 6
From: Suffolk UK
From the website:
My emphases.
We are currently recruiting and ask that prospective candidates have a minimum of 2500 hours total time - if coming from a commercial background this should also include at least 1500 hours commercial jet experience. You should also have either a UK ATPL or JAR licence, the right of abode in the UK and finally, you should be MCC qualified. Please note you must have access to a computer in order to receive company email notices and rosters.
If you meet these requirements, we would welcome an application from you. You can find our application form below. Please remember that we are interested in a wide variety of applicants and will continue to consider each CV on its individual merits. To make the most of the online application process, you need to fill in the form as fully as possible.
If suitable, your application will be added to our database. You will not need to update your details with us more than once a year (unless there are any major changes in your circumstances i.e. type conversion, command etc).
Please note that it is not necessary for you to call and confirm receipt of your application.
If you already have a current application with us you need not reapply - Your details will still be kept on our existing database and we will continue to look through this as and when interviews are set up.
Finally, thank you for applying and good luck!
If you meet these requirements, we would welcome an application from you. You can find our application form below. Please remember that we are interested in a wide variety of applicants and will continue to consider each CV on its individual merits. To make the most of the online application process, you need to fill in the form as fully as possible.
If suitable, your application will be added to our database. You will not need to update your details with us more than once a year (unless there are any major changes in your circumstances i.e. type conversion, command etc).
Please note that it is not necessary for you to call and confirm receipt of your application.
If you already have a current application with us you need not reapply - Your details will still be kept on our existing database and we will continue to look through this as and when interviews are set up.
Finally, thank you for applying and good luck!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 6
From: Suffolk UK
Originally Posted by President Bush
Bus.Boeing's on the way out.
There's no way the Boeing's on the way out. There are (IIRC) 13 B744s on strength, varying in age from about 14 years down to 2 or so. The fleet is split half at LGW and half at LHR, though they will all eventually end up at LGW (with an outstation at MAN). The B744 is an excellent solution for the Caribbean and US holiday routes, and I get the feeling the company would like a few more. As that's no longer an option (and recent s/h GE-powered 744s aren't readily available), they are beginning to look at what to do in order to maintain and expand this side of the business. Rumour would have it that the B772/773 is in the frame, and there don't seem to be too many sensible 350+ seat alternatives available (the 380 is not a practicable solution for Caribbean and similar destinations)! Therefore, I think it's fair to say that Boeing will have a place in Virgin's fleet for some considerable time to come.
