Virgin Recruiting
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 387
Likes: 1
From: Centre of Universe
BA, Tui, Jet2 , Norse, EasyJet, Ryanair for a whole plethora of reasons.
Virgin 2.0 is low cost long haul with all the disadvantages of long haul but none of the pluses of a low cost lifestyle.
I know plenty of guys regretting leaving the Middle East to come here as an FO again , take the big pay cut for the lifestyle. The lifestyle has gone, just a copy of Middle East carriers now but the pay is nothing like it !
But it’s horses for courses, you seem happy with you’re lot so I guess some people think it’s still ok !!!
nah, I’ve already been made redundant before , you’re welcome to it
Virgin 2.0 is low cost long haul with all the disadvantages of long haul but none of the pluses of a low cost lifestyle.
I know plenty of guys regretting leaving the Middle East to come here as an FO again , take the big pay cut for the lifestyle. The lifestyle has gone, just a copy of Middle East carriers now but the pay is nothing like it !
But it’s horses for courses, you seem happy with you’re lot so I guess some people think it’s still ok !!!
nah, I’ve already been made redundant before , you’re welcome to it
What's up? If you've been made redundant before you tend to have a different outlook on Airline life. During Covid did you not think think VS might go to the wall?
Pilots from the Middle East not happy? Tell them to go back they are all recruiting again.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Rome
Many airlines have had T&Cs and contracts ripped up, Virgin being no exception. It has gone from being a ‘lifestyle’ airline, ie average pay (for an airline) but good lifestyle to no lifestyle, increased working (20%) and the same pay, after enduring either a 47% cut or redundancy ( although a meagre sub inflation rise is in the pipeline).
it’s rather simplistic to say , go back to where you came from, these are life changing decision, maybe you don’t understand that ?
Some have left, many are biding their time to see what comes in the next year or so. Don’t get me wrong Virgin was a great place to work but times have changed, it may be once again but it will take years to regain just a fraction of what has been lost.
Last edited by BIGBAD; 25th July 2022 at 18:35.
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: UK
Looking at the payscales posted above. It looks like approx. £4300 net after tax/pension as a Yr1 SFO, that includes flying pay. Does that sound about right?
I imagine the down route subsistence will be swallowed up whilst on the trip so I’ll discount that.
Any idea on the overtime rate?
I imagine the down route subsistence will be swallowed up whilst on the trip so I’ll discount that.
Any idea on the overtime rate?
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Kernow
May I ask what a realistic time to command at VAA is presently, if joining as an SFO?
Also, I assume everybody who meets the threshold hours for SFO joins as SFO1 - ie somebody with significantly more hours wouldn't join on a higher SFO tier? May be a daft question.
Also, I assume everybody who meets the threshold hours for SFO joins as SFO1 - ie somebody with significantly more hours wouldn't join on a higher SFO tier? May be a daft question.
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 42
From: UK
Nope, plenty of people join with much more than the min requirements, but everyone starts on SFO1 payscale.
For overtime questions... disruption payments vary between £630-£1260 per day depending on how much notice you get and whether you're doing it as an additional trip
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: UK
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 42
From: UK
Well sort of… it’s still at a trial stage but everyone that wanted it when it was originally offered got it AFAIK.
Company have recently said you’ll be able to bid for which contract you want on an annual basis. There’ll be a new trawl for it shortly and then we’ll see what the uptake is… it will be allocated in seniority order apparently (although they’re still reluctant to issue the seniority list so who knows)
The problem is that currently the part timers are working nearly as many hours as the full timers (working more in their available days). BALPA and Virgin have promised that hours will even out according to the percentage pay, but the honouring/transparency of industrial agreements is currently flaky at best, so this remains to be seen.
Company have recently said you’ll be able to bid for which contract you want on an annual basis. There’ll be a new trawl for it shortly and then we’ll see what the uptake is… it will be allocated in seniority order apparently (although they’re still reluctant to issue the seniority list so who knows)
The problem is that currently the part timers are working nearly as many hours as the full timers (working more in their available days). BALPA and Virgin have promised that hours will even out according to the percentage pay, but the honouring/transparency of industrial agreements is currently flaky at best, so this remains to be seen.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: UK
Well sort of… it’s still at a trial stage but everyone that wanted it when it was originally offered got it AFAIK.
Company have recently said you’ll be able to bid for which contract you want on an annual basis. There’ll be a new trawl for it shortly and then we’ll see what the uptake is… it will be allocated in seniority order apparently (although they’re still reluctant to issue the seniority list so who knows)
The problem is that currently the part timers are working nearly as many hours as the full timers (working more in their available days). BALPA and Virgin have promised that hours will even out according to the percentage pay, but the honouring/transparency of industrial agreements is currently flaky at best, so this remains to be seen.
Company have recently said you’ll be able to bid for which contract you want on an annual basis. There’ll be a new trawl for it shortly and then we’ll see what the uptake is… it will be allocated in seniority order apparently (although they’re still reluctant to issue the seniority list so who knows)
The problem is that currently the part timers are working nearly as many hours as the full timers (working more in their available days). BALPA and Virgin have promised that hours will even out according to the percentage pay, but the honouring/transparency of industrial agreements is currently flaky at best, so this remains to be seen.
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 42
From: UK
SUMMARY:
For those thinking about it, Virgin is a tough place to recommend currently.
It’s a very different company to what it was 3+ years ago. It used to have the best lifestyle in the UK IMHO, but right now it probably offers one of the worst. Joining at the moment comes with a fairly serious health warning and you will fly 90+hrs a month with a mix of east, west, min rest that destroys your body. It is Emirates/Qatar without the tax free salary.
I still enjoy it, but I live close to LHR and have a very understanding wife and kids that can cope without daddy being home. I have friends elsewhere that are interested in applying but my honest advice to them as a mate is to stay where they are.
It might get better… we have some very capable people in the VACC, but they are faced with management that are desperate to cut every possible corner to pay back the sizeable Covid debts. The next few years will probably be very volatile as we fight the company for every inch.
Your decision depends on individual circumstances and there are many jobs that are worse, but apply with your eyes open that this isn’t the company that it used to be.
For those thinking about it, Virgin is a tough place to recommend currently.
It’s a very different company to what it was 3+ years ago. It used to have the best lifestyle in the UK IMHO, but right now it probably offers one of the worst. Joining at the moment comes with a fairly serious health warning and you will fly 90+hrs a month with a mix of east, west, min rest that destroys your body. It is Emirates/Qatar without the tax free salary.
I still enjoy it, but I live close to LHR and have a very understanding wife and kids that can cope without daddy being home. I have friends elsewhere that are interested in applying but my honest advice to them as a mate is to stay where they are.
It might get better… we have some very capable people in the VACC, but they are faced with management that are desperate to cut every possible corner to pay back the sizeable Covid debts. The next few years will probably be very volatile as we fight the company for every inch.
Your decision depends on individual circumstances and there are many jobs that are worse, but apply with your eyes open that this isn’t the company that it used to be.
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 400
Likes: 11
From: Lost
Did Balpa not have anything to say about that? I mean, a union rep and all.
Joined: Jan 2006
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: UK
Blimey!
Did Balpa not have anything to say about that? I mean, a union rep and all.
Did Balpa not have anything to say about that? I mean, a union rep and all.
There are now multiple pilots involved in consolidated legal claims against the Company that are scheduled for six weeks worth of hearing in the future. Like others have said (likely VAA long timers as opposed to newer voices on here).....do your research.
There are some very accurate appraisals on this thread, and others - not so much. I guess it probably depends on how much actual experience you have in VAA and if you have known anything different in VAA before the last few years. This along with a truthful self appraisal of what you want for your own personal future (and perhaps most importantly - what your family wants!)
But one fact to be aware of : seniority is not something you can rely on at VAA now the precedent has been set. This is worth considering in this volatile industry of ours when you are waiting for a command for ten years! I waited twelve in the RHS and was unceremoniously made redundant at fifteen years from the LHS.
I was not a BALPA rep, BTW. Like I said, prob just coincidence.
Look through untinted glasses....if it is still for you compared to your current gig, good luck and go for it.
Last edited by NAT Zulu; 29th July 2022 at 00:48.
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 27
From: World
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Somerset
FO/SFO
Apologies if it's been asked before. Can anyone clarify the difference between the FO/SFO payscales? Do you enter direct as SFO if experienced with certain amount of jet hours? Or does everyone enter on FO1 now?
Thanks for sharing info guys.
Thanks for sharing info guys.
