Virgin Recruiting
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 6
From: US
I used to layover and socialise with the Virgin crew quite regularly down route, and some of the goings on would make my hair stand on end! So nothing would surprise me. A couple of the captains said it was sometimes a full time job just keeping the rest of the crew out of trouble.
Besides, with the US on a flat out mission to become a Trumpian hermit fiefdom, Virgin might be a very precarious place to be
Besides, with the US on a flat out mission to become a Trumpian hermit fiefdom, Virgin might be a very precarious place to be
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 43
Likes: 24
From: United Kingdom
I used to layover and socialise with the Virgin crew quite regularly down route, and some of the goings on would make my hair stand on end! So nothing would surprise me. A couple of the captains said it was sometimes a full time job just keeping the rest of the crew out of trouble.
Besides, with the US on a flat out mission to become a Trumpian hermit fiefdom, Virgin might be a very precarious place to be
Besides, with the US on a flat out mission to become a Trumpian hermit fiefdom, Virgin might be a very precarious place to be
But I do question why would management cover up -name removed- sexual harassment? I can only think given it was a financial decision to weigh the cost of any potentially damages against cost of losing the quite senior people involved. If it’s not that then I can only assume it was covered up out of malice towards her, as there is no other logical reason.
As for the second part of your statement, yes it’s a big worry. I understand loads are starting to drop on core USA routes as people are questioning if they need to travel.
And I don’t think any of the cheerleaders in the thread can deny that Virgin are very quick to lower the head count when the economy takes a hit. Covid, 2008-9 financial crash, 2001…… every time they booted people.
So that alone should be giving anyone pause for thought about jumping out of what ever company you are in currently to join a company at the bottom of its seniority list just as the world looks to be entering a global financial crisis caused by Trump. My advice sit tight where ever you are and wait until the dust settles. It’s going to be a wild ride for the next few years.
edited to remove the name of the person who suffered the sexual harassment as I didn’t have her permission to use her name.
Last edited by Ohfeck; 5th April 2025 at 13:45.
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: India
Pay and benefits.
Can someone tell me post tax how much a SFO can expect ? Based on standard contribution of pension 6%.. and if there's overtime how is it calculated and how much difference in monthly pay ( post tax ) comes in if I could do 1-2 additional flight, just a rough figure would be enough..
How are virgin benefits on voyages and gyms ? How much discount can one expect ?
Thanks !!
How are virgin benefits on voyages and gyms ? How much discount can one expect ?
Thanks !!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 231
Likes: 9
From: Earth
What’s the best fleet to be on at Virgin, Airbus or Boeing?
Is Virgin renewing the 787 fleet or are they going all Airbus with the engine issue and higher off wing time.
Common Airbus fleet might make sense for lower maintenance, crew training and crew deployment flexibility.
Is Virgin renewing the 787 fleet or are they going all Airbus with the engine issue and higher off wing time.
Common Airbus fleet might make sense for lower maintenance, crew training and crew deployment flexibility.
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 138
Likes: 72
From: UK
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: India
Joined post-Covid. Don't recognise much of what's been said but will give a little story to explain what I think is going on. Flying with quite young, brand new joiner FO who's telling me how he almost failed his initial LST.
"They can't expect me to read the whole of the FCOM. It's far too long and I've got a life, you know?"
Unfortunately I think management have had to cast the net a little too wide to get warm bums on flight deck seats (I mean, they recruited me after all). Whilst I'm no fan of management here, I think there are almost certainly a few characters amongst the recent recruitment who need to have a bit of a think about their behaviours, both professionally and downroute. There are plenty of stories going round about why a few particular characters have been let go, at least one of which I could confirm personally.
"They can't expect me to read the whole of the FCOM. It's far too long and I've got a life, you know?"
Unfortunately I think management have had to cast the net a little too wide to get warm bums on flight deck seats (I mean, they recruited me after all). Whilst I'm no fan of management here, I think there are almost certainly a few characters amongst the recent recruitment who need to have a bit of a think about their behaviours, both professionally and downroute. There are plenty of stories going round about why a few particular characters have been let go, at least one of which I could confirm personally.
Also, how often can one pickup overtime? are there plenty of options every month for the Airbus?
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 5
From: EU
Extra trips are on offer regularly but unless you have unwanted leave, or additional days off rostered, you won't always be in a position to take them up. Don't plan on overtime, see it as a bonus if it works out. FWIW typically I choose/manage to pick up maybe 3-4 extra trips over the course of a year.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: holland
No overtime on the 787 at the moment and not enough coverage on the Airbus. Airbus work patterns are a problem and life style for route network better on the 787.
Issues still with the company giving part time and for those that are trainers wanting part time.
For a period of time they did not bond and last 18 months added bonding to the contracts as people were coming for a few months and then leaving with the rating.
Flight deck still leaving and going to BA, EK, Jet 2. Few to Wizz who offered command upgrades.
Issues still with the company giving part time and for those that are trainers wanting part time.
For a period of time they did not bond and last 18 months added bonding to the contracts as people were coming for a few months and then leaving with the rating.
Flight deck still leaving and going to BA, EK, Jet 2. Few to Wizz who offered command upgrades.
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: India
No overtime on the 787 at the moment and not enough coverage on the Airbus. Airbus work patterns are a problem and life style for route network better on the 787.
Issues still with the company giving part time and for those that are trainers wanting part time.
For a period of time they did not bond and last 18 months added bonding to the contracts as people were coming for a few months and then leaving with the rating.
Flight deck still leaving and going to BA, EK, Jet 2. Few to Wizz who offered command upgrades.
Issues still with the company giving part time and for those that are trainers wanting part time.
For a period of time they did not bond and last 18 months added bonding to the contracts as people were coming for a few months and then leaving with the rating.
Flight deck still leaving and going to BA, EK, Jet 2. Few to Wizz who offered command upgrades.
And why are they leaving elsewhere even with the new pay deal which actually beats BA ?
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: India
I compared the SFO (for someone with 3000+ hrs) pay vs FO at BA ( no Direct SFO option). Virgin was more by atleast 10k £.
Next, virgin pays layover allowances into a card, vs BA pays it with salary. That brings another 500£ monthly i believe for Virgin. I read in an earlier post that with all allowances year 1 pay for BA FO with overtime can be around 110k, but this is around 120-125k for virgin SFO with 3-4 overtime trips I believe ( with layover allowance paid separately into card). Correct me if I'm wrong ?
Next, virgin pays layover allowances into a card, vs BA pays it with salary. That brings another 500£ monthly i believe for Virgin. I read in an earlier post that with all allowances year 1 pay for BA FO with overtime can be around 110k, but this is around 120-125k for virgin SFO with 3-4 overtime trips I believe ( with layover allowance paid separately into card). Correct me if I'm wrong ?
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 27
From: World
I compared the SFO (for someone with 3000+ hrs) pay vs FO at BA ( no Direct SFO option). Virgin was more by atleast 10k £.
Next, virgin pays layover allowances into a card, vs BA pays it with salary. That brings another 500£ monthly i believe for Virgin. I read in an earlier post that with all allowances year 1 pay for BA FO with overtime can be around 110k, but this is around 120-125k for virgin SFO with 3-4 overtime trips I believe ( with layover allowance paid separately into card). Correct me if I'm wrong ?
Next, virgin pays layover allowances into a card, vs BA pays it with salary. That brings another 500£ monthly i believe for Virgin. I read in an earlier post that with all allowances year 1 pay for BA FO with overtime can be around 110k, but this is around 120-125k for virgin SFO with 3-4 overtime trips I believe ( with layover allowance paid separately into card). Correct me if I'm wrong ?
Virgin Yr 1 SFO: £90,775 + flying pay (£9,985) = £100,760. Yes, you get HMRC rates on a corporate card, it’s roughly $150 USD for a one night USA. Can be as low as $40 if in “cheap” destinations. You also get a courtesy £85 fully taxed top up for each trip paid in arrears. It’s around £5,500 after tax.
BA Yr 1 FO: £74,930 + £35,000 (average flying pay and allowances A350) = £109,930. A decent chunk of the allowances is tax free. Ballpark they are roughly the same take home.
As you say you don’t join BA as an SFO, which means that people can earn that when they join with 1,500 hrs, rather than 3,000 as at Virgin. To compare the Virgin FO Yr 1 with the BA Yr 1 shows the contrast much better, as you’re then comparing apples with apples.
However, the real benefits of BA are the fact that the trigger for three pilots is significantly lower than at Virgin. Not only that, it is rostered if you’re going to be relief, so you can plan your rest the moment the roster comes out, rather than deciding it in the briefing room. The new rule coming into effect in October means that almost every long haul trip will have a minimum three days off after. The busses to the crew car park are much more frequent and reliable than the PEX or long stay busses so you don’t have to get to the airport way before report time. You usually get your roster about five days before Virgin as well. These are all little things but they have a marked improvement on quality of life. Not to mention the variety of routes, fleet bidding and job stability.
If you want to be based in the UK, it’s a no brainer.
Joined: Aug 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Delhi
Great read, thanks for the insights from everyone. So is it safe to assume many are still leaving the company for BA or EK?
I've heard they are trialing a commuting contract with back to back rostered days. Anyone have any insight on that and how many days off does one get after?
And a quick question regarding upgrade time. What is it looking like realistically/ currently if joining with 4000 airbus hours?
I've heard they are trialing a commuting contract with back to back rostered days. Anyone have any insight on that and how many days off does one get after?
And a quick question regarding upgrade time. What is it looking like realistically/ currently if joining with 4000 airbus hours?
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Up north
Remember the 3 days off at BA is a trial, and a cynic would say it’s to get people in the door then the trial will conveniently end. I hope it does stay, because I think VS would have no choice but to follow suit.
For me waiting 20 years for a LH command at BA is nuts, all to start as the most junior person in that seat again. I like VS, it’s nice working with familiar faces. Rotating seniority works nicely. Very relaxed operation. Everyone is someone you could happily share a beer with. I don’t think much of management at all.
Can’t argue stability, career options, variety at BA. But I don’t think the disparity between the 2 airlines as career options are as far apart as people make it out to be on here. My roster is better than my friends at BA with equal seniority, albeit I’m sure they’ll win that race in the long run after 20+ years service.
BA is definitely a great choice. All I’m saying is, don’t write off VS based on what people on pprune say. Some people do have genuine reasons to dislike VS, they treated people very unfairly during Covid. There are good things here that BA don’t have, BA is not a golden ticket. I turned them down and happy I did. There are also a couple of guys who left VS to go to BA and came straight back to us within 6 months.
Just take this thread with a pinch of salt.
Last edited by recall_checked; 24th August 2025 at 14:56.
Joined: Aug 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Delhi
No, that’s not true. A couple a month out of 1000 pilots leave, so not many. VS have dismissed others over the last 12 months for behaviour or training issues. I’m reading posts here stating people who have left ‘recently’. Some of these guys left over a year ago, before the new pay deal yet it’s still being mentioned in new posts that they are just leaving now.
Remember the 3 days off at BA is a trial, and a cynic would say it’s to get people in the door then the trial will conveniently end. I hope it does stay, because I think VS would have no choice but to follow suit.
For me waiting 20 years for a LH command at BA is nuts, all to start as the most junior person in that seat again. I like VS, it’s nice working with familiar faces. Rotating seniority works nicely. Very relaxed operation. Everyone is someone you could happily share a beer with. I don’t think much of management at all.
Can’t argue stability, career options, variety at BA. But I don’t think the disparity between the 2 airlines as career options are as far apart as people make it out to be on here. My roster is better than my friends at BA with equal seniority, albeit I’m sure they’ll win that race in the long run after 20+ years service.
BA is definitely a great choice. All I’m saying is, don’t write off VS based on what people on pprune say. Some people do have genuine reasons to dislike VS, they treated people very unfairly during Covid. There are good things here that BA don’t have, BA is not a golden ticket. I turned them down and happy I did. There are also a couple of guys who left VS to go to BA and came straight back to us within 6 months.
Just take this thread with a pinch of salt.
Right now, some guys started their A330 command course before 8 years service. Maybe looking at 10 if you join now.
Remember the 3 days off at BA is a trial, and a cynic would say it’s to get people in the door then the trial will conveniently end. I hope it does stay, because I think VS would have no choice but to follow suit.
For me waiting 20 years for a LH command at BA is nuts, all to start as the most junior person in that seat again. I like VS, it’s nice working with familiar faces. Rotating seniority works nicely. Very relaxed operation. Everyone is someone you could happily share a beer with. I don’t think much of management at all.
Can’t argue stability, career options, variety at BA. But I don’t think the disparity between the 2 airlines as career options are as far apart as people make it out to be on here. My roster is better than my friends at BA with equal seniority, albeit I’m sure they’ll win that race in the long run after 20+ years service.
BA is definitely a great choice. All I’m saying is, don’t write off VS based on what people on pprune say. Some people do have genuine reasons to dislike VS, they treated people very unfairly during Covid. There are good things here that BA don’t have, BA is not a golden ticket. I turned them down and happy I did. There are also a couple of guys who left VS to go to BA and came straight back to us within 6 months.
Just take this thread with a pinch of salt.
Right now, some guys started their A330 command course before 8 years service. Maybe looking at 10 if you join now.
Thanks for the info. It all makes sense. Are there more people retiring then as I can imagine commands would mostly come about with retirements.
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Oviedo
Recall’s post is spot on for the most part. Only thing I don’t agree with is the command time. There are going to be loads of young skippers taking a command in the coming months/years, so I think if you’d join now command time will be at least 14-15 years. That’s mostly because the company has no plans to expand further.
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 42
From: UK
Recall’s post is spot on for the most part. Only thing I don’t agree with is the command time. There are going to be loads of young skippers taking a command in the coming months/years, so I think if you’d join now command time will be at least 14-15 years. That’s mostly because the company has no plans to expand further.
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 356
From: UK
You just never know.