I asked a similar question on another thread. With BA looking at europe for expansion and BMI ordering 5 x 330's, what's the big picture at VS? With open skies on the horizon can they wait until 2011 for the green jets to arrive? Surely there must be a plan for the next four years!

TBE.

Apparently the plan is to 'consolidate' and take it easy for a while according to one of their staff information days at a Gatwick hotel. Things not going as well as planned with open-skies arriving etc.

Well they did make 25 mil before tax PROFIT in August, 3 x last year.

It would seem that as part of VS's drive to improve return on sales, that ALL recruitment in the airline has been stopped forthwith.

I think the next 18 months or so will be very, very quiet.

But this is VS we are talking about..... it could all change today, or tomorrow.....

Any comments Scroggs?

arrestahook

The info I gave was from our Chief Exec at last weeks Staff Update held at our "BASE" in Manor Royal, Crawley.

Basically, VS have expanded rapidly in the last 5 years. We now need to consolidate and get our new routes making good money. No new routes or aircraft are planned until the 787 arrives in 3 years.

It was said that ALL recruitment in the airline was to be put on hold for now.

Things can change though, but I doubt Scroggs has any newer info than what I have said. Twice.

just for info, I've been interviewed this summer and am now in the VS holding pool. Wasn't in a rush to leave current job anyway and think it's always better to be in at the start of a recruitment push rather than at the end of one. Hopefully can stay where I am for several months yet. (LHS Short Haul)!!!

What Stansdead said.

The company apparently decided that its rate of expansion 2002-2006 was inappropriate as the economic storm clouds started gathering. Profit was well down from expectations (though much of that can be laid at Virgin Nigeria's door), and costs had not been contained as well as they might have been. Early this year, it was becoming clear that there were more difficult times ahead for the industry - especially at Heathrow - and that Virgin might do better to concentrate on extracting the most from its current network, rather than stretching resources on expensive expansion.

So, the current recruiting hiatus. How long will it last? Who knows! Virgin hasn't ever stood still for long, and I doubt it will this time. Officially, there will be no further expansion until the 787 arrives. Unofficially, if opportunities arise that can't be ignored, they probably won't be!

If you've read Flight this week, you'll be aware that Virgin isn't the only organisation that thinks a downturn in airline growth is imminent...

According to the BALPA EOC rep this past Sat no interviews 'till 2010 for positions coming up in 2011.

Woo :{

I think Virgin are closing the hatches and heading for periscope depth. Let's face it, there's economic uncertainty out there at the moment and it's orginating in probably their biggest market.

Count Von Altibar I think you are correct. However I can't understand why they (da management) are not looking at other revenue streams ie. Asia or South America. With the VS core market under pressure and no game plan, there must be trouble ahead! Better stick with my current outfit.
TBE.

The guys have just stated the game plan, to consolidate existing routes and maximise profitability from them. Very sensible in my opinion. To expand with a downturn around the corner would be crazy. Unless you have a stockpile of cash like that horrible irish blue and white short-haul airline.....

Spending cash on new stations/routes/aircraft which will not produce a return for up to 3 years is not sensible in the longhaul market just now. The cost of credit, fuel and support facilities mean that consolidation of existing routes (many of which are very young) is the way ahead for now, in Virgin's view. While there are interesting times ahead at Heathrow, the somewhat wobbly state of western economies currently isn't a good foundation for much in the way of experimental entrepreneurism!

However, Virgin very recently announced that it is looking at up to 12 new aircraft to replace older 744s and enhance its Gatwick operation from 2012. These may be B748s, A380s or even a mix of the two. There are several projects 'bubbling under' which just need a slightly more benevolent economic environment to be let loose. Now is not the time, but Virgin is far from out of ideas!

I'll stick with Queen Betty's flying club a bit longer then scroggs :)
PS. Your absence was noted at the bash ;)

Perhaps VS could buy some of the GB Airways LHR slots from EZY? :ok:

We may have had a slightly larger cash pile if we didn't insist on blowing it all in Nigeria.

Yes ............ Nigeria ................. hmmmmmmmmm .............. which flipping idiot thought that spending money there would be a good idea. Buffoons.

Positive perhaps?
 

Hi Guys
Sent an email to virgin a couple weeks ago just asking about recruitment etc even though i'm not up to the 2500hrs yet....

3 days later the phone went with someone from recruitment on the end of it....Firstly thanking me for the email and secondly telling me that they are looking at possibly opening the recruitment again in 6 months (which should work out perfect for me with regard to hours)....:ok:

So there you have it...from the horses mouth!
The poor crewing guys at my existing company must hate me by now... keep hassling them to change my standbys into duties for hours!!! "I love flying for your airline, making your crewing job easier for you".... Kissing arse gets you anywhere :E

ATC

i know this question has probably been asked a mill times but has anyone managed to get offerd a job with the minimum 2500hrs and non type rated nor have a similar type...? :}

EGKK

Not many in recent times I am afraid.

The majority of recent recruits have 4000 plus hours, experience on type or similar types. Many also held airline jet Commands.

Failing that they are ex military, fast jet or transport command.

The competition to join us is quite extraordinary, it really is, I can promise you that.