scroggs

SectorSafe I'm sorry, I don't know how full the hold pool is right now. I suspect that it's kept topped up as people are drawn out for training, as Virgin continues to require a healthy supply of new pilots for the forseeable future.

As for which type, a read of this thread will reveal this question has been answered several times! Virgin is buying 25 or more A340-600s. It isn't buying Boeing 744s. The answer ought to be reasonably obvious! Inevitably, there is some internal movement from the 744 to the A340 as people reach command, and as those 744 skygods (well, they say they are!) who wish to fly the A380 in the future transfer to the A340 to get some Airbus exposure (a company requirement). Therefore there are a limited number of vacancies on the Boeing, but the majority of the requirement is to fill the A340 slots.

Torycanyon

Are VA still only taking guys with the Bus or Boeing on their license?
Are you starting to look at guys with say MD-83, BAE146, RJ100, EMB14, types yet?

scroggs

We always have done. I don't think there was ever a period when we only took Airbus or B744-rated people, though there may have been a preference for people so rated.

sidestick320

I believe VS are currently recruiting onto the A340. With a B747 rating is it likely to be placed onto the 340 or 747 if a job is offered? Also have VS recently had a pay increase? The last basic I heard was £44624, any improvement on that? Also is there any improvement on the flight pay asscoiated with this increase?

scroggs

sidestick, I take it you chose not to read the thread before you posted - or even the last few posts?

The pay rate you quote is the January 2006 basic salary before productivity pay, which is currently £13.66 per flight hour for FOs. The latest pay deal is currently being balloted, and therefore it would be inappropriate to give details here.

bobmij

Can anyone recommend a good source of company information for those about to go for interview. I mean things such as financial reports and governance. The company website is not candid in such matters. Any help appreciated.

Joe le Taxi

There is masses of corporate info and history on the Virgin website - do some exploring. I can't see any reason why it would be less than candid.

However, I had no questions about this sort of thing. The question 'why do you want to join Virgin?' probably requires a bit more preparation than - 'the girls' though. (Its actually quite a difficult question to answer without seeming like a bull****ter).

scroggs

If you wish to study Virgin Atlantic's history, structure and network, the information is out there. As Virgin is a private company, financial figures are less easy for an outsider to get hold of than they are for, say, BA, and so you are not expected to know them. In any case, you should receive a briefing on the company on your interview day. [Edit] However, these days there is the occasional need to investigate an applicant's motivation a little deeper, and a working knowledge of Virgin's fleet, bases, routes and ambitions would demonstrate a greater than passing interest!

It is important that you have a good grasp of the issues and difficulties affecting all airlines at the moment, particularly as they relate to the long-haul market. As for why you want to join Virgin, please try to have a thought-through and convincing answer to that one!

The edit is to reflect information newly received!

ikea monster

Is there any truth about VAA getting 10 A330's. ??? What happened to 4 Engines 4 Long Haul !!!

scroggs

Good questions! There are a host of rumours going around, but (after many false reports) it would finally appear to be true that the '4 Engines 4 Longhaul' straplines are being removed from the A340s (the line never appeared on the Boeings). I suspect that there might be an announcement at Farnborough next month, but B777s, B787s, A350s or A330s.... ?

ikea monster

Thanks Scroggs --

Tags

My money is on 330's - speak to the VS engineers!
Next question is, mixed fleet flying?

springbok449

Operated as seperate fleets is what I have heard...that will be until the bean counters and crewing realise what the advantage of mixed fleet flying offers...

SR71

Scroggs (or any other Virgin pilots),

How many points are there on the Virgin pay scale?

10? 24 (like BA)?

Thanks.

scroggs

16 for FOs, 14 for Captains. Captains (unlike BA) go back to year 1 on promotion.

Shanwick Shanwick

Everyone's money was on the 777 when the 340-600 was ordered.

Might be the other way around this time. There again, since no one wants the 340, they'll be going cheap.

As I understand it, we need something on the smaller side to operate both the long/thin and start-up routes which are unprofitable for longer with the 747 or 340.

g109

hi

does it work out in VS to commute from another country, lets say france or germany. is there enough time off beween the trips?

I understand there is a stby line, what about bigging for trips?

can someone post a sample roster for a typical month, without leave?

and finally, what sort of gross monthly salary can a new FO lets say on the 340 expect?

if you are already 330 rated will you likely go on the 340, or might they put you on the 747?


cheers guys


Mike

scruggs

I don't work for VS, but I'm sure this topic has been covered before. Try a quick search.

Don't quote me on this, but I'm sure I read a post by Scroggs stating a pilot commuted from South Africa. Although - I could have imagined reading that!

tired

g109 - look at the thread titled "Virgin Atlantic - the master thread" it's on page 5 of this board (ie the "Terms and Endearment board"), last post 30 June. Sorry, I'm not clever enough to post a link to it here.

Very briefly - yes it's quite possible to commute from Europe, lots of guys do it.

If you read the thread mentioned above it should answer every question you ever wanted to know.

t

trot

hi,

does virgin still accept applications.
filled out their online application form and pushed submit. next page indicated that the page is no longer valid. did my application make it through or not?
or did i get the error message, because they no longer accept applications?

quick answer is appreciated.

cheers, trot