Last week i noticed that on the application overview at virgin jobs... the status was: ...closing...
(While 787 current status is: open.
In other words, they indicated at least 5 days in advance that it was about to close...

Take into account that there are subtantial pilots (eg easyjet) with 320
Ratings... so they prob received an overload on cv's. And therefore closed it so soon.

It's not about altruism, it's all about supply and demand. There's a significant shortage of quality experienced pilots right now. And all of a sudden, 400 become available!

Well, watch this space. There might be more openings for Airbus rated guys and less so for the 787 very soon due to circumstances.

Are they selling their 787's? Or ordering more 'buses?

No and no. 3 more 787 to arrive in the new year. Just a bit of route shifting between types going on at the moment

For all the guys upset about ex Monarch pilots having "jumped the queue" as far as I am aware they are just getting their applications fast tracked because they have no notice period. They are not being guarentee'd jobs you may or may not feel entitled to.

Infact having spoken to a few of my mates from Monarch they would gladly swap someone's secure A320 job for their supposed "enhanced" recruitment opportunities.

I've heard the ex Monarch have start dates with Virgin, any ex Monarch get interviews or PFO emails yet?

Anyone heard anything recently (Non ex-Monarch)?

Secondly, are the Monarch guys being given start dates?

Just got an email saying thanks for being patient, the Monarch guys are being prioritised but we will get to all the applications eventually. C'est la vie

Nothing for me either other than a rejection. Though, I'm probably too old to be of interest to them.

No patience email for me....nothing

All pilots are based at LHR with a crew shuttle provided to/from LGW. MAN base can be requested once in the airline.

VS Part Time
 

Chaps,

As one of the oh-so-lucky ex Monarch pilots to have woken up 3 weeks ago without a job I am very grateful for the support from across our industry. Most fellow pilots have been incredibly sympathetic and supportive.

I have some questions on part time roster with VS -

What part time options are on offer?

Do any of the options give the ability to live remotely and work, say, for the first or last 2 weeks of a period and guarantee longer periods off between trips?

Many thanks for the continuing support guys.

Evening Trotts

Part time is 85/75/50% which is 23 on 7 off, or 20 on 10 off, or 16 on 14 off respectively but the 50% might be 15/15 but not sure.

There is a large waiting list at the mo running into several years so don't hold your breath!

All the best

No part time on offer for new joiners, but once you're past your probation period (or the first year, I can't remember which) then you can apply for it. However, the queue is currently around 4 years long, across all fleets, and is only getting longer!

There are various part time offerings in place, each with their different advantages and disadvantages. But rest assured that there'll be plenty of time to look into them all and consider your options way before you get the offer of part time :-)

Having said that, lots of people already on part time do live abroad and commute, in a similar way to that which you're suggesting.

I'm glad that you've found a job....we're all sympathetic to your situation, as it can happen to any of us, at any time.

Good luck!

Thanks
 

Thanks to all for the replies- very helpful.

I'm not there yet!- interviewed last week and hoping to hear soon.

Another BA vs Virgin thing to bear in mind is the viability of the business. I've heard VS are on track for another loss this year. How long till DL just take the LHR slots and be done with the rest? The AFKL share purchase effectively takes control away from Branson.

This isn't a BA vs Virgin thread though is it?

Start your own about why BA is so much better if that's what you want to discuss.

The virgin brand is actually one that seems to be liked in the US, so I'd hazard that the joint venture would work on making virgin more efficient and working into profitability rather than just grabbing slots.

No reason not to think that Delta are happy to loss-lead VS to ensure the rest of the operation remains profitable. I thought this was one benefit of codeshare and partnerships? Without VS, Delta would be short the clients who prefer the VS brand to Delta.