Pilot FAQs
Dreaming of becoming a pilot with Virgin Atlantic? You’re in the right place.
Get ready to embark on one of the most exciting careers in the world. Picture yourself in the flight deck, navigating some of the most advanced aircraft across transatlantic routes and beyond. From the vibrant energy of New York to the sunsets over the Caribbean, this is more than a job—it’s the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
This page is your go-to guide for all frequently asked questions about becoming a pilot with Virgin Atlantic. Designed with both aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts in mind, it covers everything from entry requirements and training pathways to career progression and lifestyle insights. Whether you’re just starting to explore a career in aviation or ready to apply, this comprehensive FAQ guide, offers clear, accessible answers to help you navigate your journey.
Start here to discover what it takes to join our world-class flight crew.
At Virgin Atlantic, we operate both Airbus and Boeing aircrafts—including the A330-300, A330-900, A350, and the Boeing 787. As a result, we recruit pilots for both fleets depending on our operational needs.
Fleet transformation is currently the single most effective way for airlines to reduce their carbon emissions, and it’s where we consistently lead the way. We already have one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets operating across the Atlantic.
We’ve retired all our four-engine aircraft, and now operate 41 twin-engine aircraft with an average fleet age of 7 years and a 74% next-generation mix, representing ten years of investment into our fleet transformation programme. As a result, our carbon efficiency (CO2/ASK) has improved by 20% over the last decade, and our absolute carbon emissions have reduced from 4.75m metric tons (MT) of CO2 to just over 3m MT CO2 in 2022, an improvement of 35%.
By 2026, we’ll achieve a 15% gross reduction in carbon emissions per revenue tonne kilometre through our fleet programme.
Making the travel we love sustainable is one of our biggest challenges. One that requires change and collaboration on an industry-wide scale. We know this won’t be an easy feat, but we’re determined to get there. We have to do things differently if we’re going to contribute to positive change for our planet.
That’s why we’ve transformed our fleet to be younger, leaner and more fuel efficient. It’s why we’re leading the way, showing that the shift to 100% sustainable aviation fuel can be done. And it’s why we’re reimagining how we operate, personalising the onboard experience to make it more sustainable. To make progress, we must challenge everything and embrace new ideas and fresh perspectives.
The time for action against climate change is now. We’ve announced a set of ambitious interim milestones to take Virgin Atlantic to net zero carbon by 2050. Want to know more click here: https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/VA_Our-line-in-the-sand-manifesto.pdf
If you’ve flown with another airline before, our in-house type training usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the aircraft. After that, you’ll begin line training on the aircraft, which can take up to 2 months.
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe everyone can take on the world—and it’s our vision to become the most loved travel company.
We’re not like other carriers. As the UK’s only exclusively long-haul airline, our pilots operate out of London Heathrow to some of the world’s most iconic and glamorous destinations. And when it comes to office views, few can compare. You’ll be flying some of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the skies, including our A330neos and the Airbus A350-1000.
Joining Virgin Atlantic as a pilot means more than just flying an aircraft—it’s about leading with professionalism, upholding the highest safety standards, and making value-based decisions both in the air and on the ground. Every day is different, and you’ll be part of a dynamic and passionate team that’s driven by purpose and pride.
We’re committed to offering a strong work-life balance, excellent terms and conditions, and continuous opportunities to grow and develop in your career. At Virgin Atlantic, you’ll never stop learning—and you’ll always be flying with purpose.
All Virgin Atlantic pilots are required to obtain and maintain an EASA Class One Medical Certificate. Wearing glasses typically isn’t a barrier to becoming a pilot; however, your overall medical fitness, including vision—will be assessed by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Aeromedical Examiners during your initial examination. They will determine whether you meet the standards necessary to hold a Class One Medical. For detailed guidance on medical requirements and suitability, please refer to the CAA website.
Work is rostered in accordance with CAA regulations and our Union agreements, which have been built up over many years. Rosters are given with plenty of notice to support you. As the UK’s only long-haul-only airline, our trips mean you’ll be away from home for at least 1 night, and sometimes up to 2 – 3 nights.
As part of our recruitment process, we’ll ask you to confirm your intended plans so we can review and confirm on an individual basis whether this can be considered or approved.
You can find all our upcoming roadshow dates listed on our Pilot Careers page or by visiting the Search and Apply section of our website. We’d love to see you there!
To apply to be a pilot at Virgin Atlantic, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- A minimum experience of 1500 hours (FO)/ 3000 hours (SFO) of flight time on a multi-pilot turbojet or a multi-pilot turbo-prop aeroplane, having a maximum take-off mass of not less than 10 tonnes or a certificated passenger seating configuration of more than 19 passengers
- Current and Qualified type rating – our adverts will designate our exact requirement
- Hold a current UK Class One Medical
- Unfrozen UK ATPL licence issued by the UK CAA, with a valid type rating
- Certified as ICAO level 6 English Proficiency when applying)
You must have an unfrozen UK ATPL licence to fly for Virgin Atlantic, but we welcome applications from other licences. To learn more about how you can change your licence to a UK one, please visit the CAA website.
Our recruitment process is structured in stages and includes a virtual interview, psychometric and online assessments, an in-person assessment centre, and a technical Sim evaluation. You’ll need to successfully pass each stage in order to progress to the next phase of the selection process.
Please note that Virgin Atlantic does not cover expenses related to interviews or Sim assessments. These costs will be the responsibility of the candidate and are considered personal expenses.
Unless otherwise stated, the contract of employment is permanent (no fixed duration).
We operate from two bases: London Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport. However, please note that we’re currently only recruiting for our London Heathrow base.
We will take into account your past and current experience, flying hours, type rating and preference. Allocation is based solely on our operational requirements, but we will let you know the fleet you will be on at the offer stage.
The probation period lasts six months from your start date, unless extended due to training or performance-related matters
Your interview invite will outline all the documents you’ll need to bring. In most cases, this will include your passport, logbook, Class One medical, and licence.
If you were unsuccessful at any stage of our recruitment process, you’re eligible to reapply after six months. However, we strongly encourage you to take the time to reflect, grow, and ensure you’re fully prepared to show your best self. Please note we only permit a maximum of two attempts through our pilot selection process, so we recommend considering this carefully before reapplying.
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, including data protection, we are currently unable to give contact details and email addresses out amongst candidates. You will meet your partner and have plenty of time to get to know each other during the briefing session before the Sim commences.
If you would like to receive an email once a specific type of position is advertised, follow the links on this site to create a job alert. If you have a specific question about our pilot recruitment, please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]
Virgin Atlantic often runs a Military Managed Pathway recruitment scheme to assist current military pilots with the transition to a career with the airline. Follow the links on this site to register for alerts and be informed when the next scheme commences.
While it may be reviewed from time to time, opportunities for Second Officer positions are limited and not frequently available. At present, you will need a minimum of 1500 flying hours to apply as we’re not currently recruiting for Second Officers.
A strong foundation in academic studies is important. For most cadet and training programmes, you’ll typically need a minimum of five GCSES at grades A–C (or 9–4), including Mathematics, English Language, and Science or a Science subject. Some future flyer schemes may also require A-Levels or equivalent qualifications, with specific academic criteria outlined in the application process.
Beyond academics, Virgin Atlantic looks for individuals who have a strong passion for the aviation industry and strong interpersonal skills. At the core of our business is the understanding that every one of our people can be themselves at work and belong. It’s an experience felt from the heart – no fake smiles, just a genuine, overflowing love for working here. So being a people person is a must!
We have indeed run a Future Flyers Cadet Scheme in the past, but it’s currently on pause while we work on redeveloping the programme. We’re aiming to relaunch a future aviators programme from 2026 onwards. Keep an eye on our website, as it will be the first place we share any updates or openings.
As you’d expect from Virgin Atlantic, the quality of training and support we offer will be second-to-none. So, we’ll expect the highest standards and passion from you too. In the past programmes we have run, we have always created a structured pilot training programme that leads towards the Civil Aviation Authority’s latest Multi Pilot Licence (MPL) and a position as a First Officer on the Airbus or Boeing.