Pilot Jobs – See your career take off

Hiring now for our pilot team

We’re not like other carriers. As the UK’s only exclusively long-haul airline, you’ll operate from Heathrow or Manchester to some of the world’s most glamorous destinations, and when it comes to office views, our pilots have the best.

Working on one of the most technologically advanced aircraft fleets around, you’ll be flying industry leading modern and efficient aircraft fleet of Airbus A330-300s, A330neos, A350s and Boeing 787s.

When you become a Virgin Atlantic pilot, you’ll need to live up to the highest professional and safety standards, leading our operation and taking pride in making values-based decisions in the air and on the ground.

What are the requirements for becoming a Virgin Atlantic Pilot?

We inspire everyone to take on the world, championing inclusivity, activism, and challenger spirit. It guides us in everything we do as we strive to make progress on the issues that matter the most

Our Pilot community is made up of diverse backgrounds, so respect and teamwork are fundamental. If you have a genuine passion for flying, for all aspects of aviation, and want to play a key role in helping us to become the ‘Most Loved’ Travel Company, why not apply today?

First Officer & Senior First Officer – Airbus

As an Airbus pilot you’ll be a critical member of our flight crew, working closely with some of the industry’s best to deliver our promise of safe and enjoyable flights around the globe. To be suitable to join us on the Airbus, you must be currently flying or have flown one of the following aircraft types:

Airbus A320/330/350

You’ll need a minimum experience of 1,500 hours (FO) or 3000 (SFO) hours of total flying time on the above types. This must include at least 500 hours on one of the above type (hours spent solely as a cruise pilot are not included). 

Before starting with us, you also need the following:

• Hold a current UK Class One Medical
• Have a valid United Kingdom Flight Crew License (ATPL) issued by the UK CAA.
• Be in possession of a valid type rating on your UK license, on one of the aircraft types highlighted above.
• The ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English (certified as ICAO level 6 English Proficiency when applying)

First Officer & Senior First Officer – Boeing

We are looking for Boeing pilots to join us as First Officers and Senior First Officers from all four corners of the industry, from Short Haul commanders to Long Haul pilots. In order to be suitable, you must have operated in the last 3 years on one of the following:

• Boeing 737/747/757/767/777/787

You’ll need a minimum experience of 1500 hours (FO) and 3000 hours (SFO) of total flying time on the above. This must include at least 500 hours current on type (hours spent solely as a cruise pilot are not included).

You also need the following:

• Hold a current UK Class One Medical
• An unfrozen Crew License (ATPL) issued by the UK CAA at the date of joining
• Be in possession of a valid type rating on your UK license, on one of the aircraft types highlighted above
• The ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English (certified as ICAO level 6 English Proficiency when applying)

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Pilot Recruitment Partner

We have selected Zenon as our exclusive recruitment partner to support the recruitment process of our Pilots. The Virgin Atlantic team together with Zenon, have worked jointly to design an assessment and selection process that ensures our candidates have a great recruitment experience.

If you are interested in applying for a Pilot role, you will be directed to Zenon’s careers page where you will complete a registration and submit your application details. The Zenon team will have initial contact with you alongside supporting you throughout your application journey, from screening to final interview. The hiring decisions are made jointly with the Virgin Atlantic team as you proceed through the various recruitment stages, from initial pre-screening, psychometric assessments, simulation assessment, behavioural and technical interview.

Career progression and benefits

At Virgin Atlantic, we aim to nurture amazing talent and create an inspirational experience that is inclusive and enables everyone to be at their best. That’s why we’ll guide you every step of the way as you progress from First Officer to Senior First Officer to Captain. 

Our pioneering spirit and passion keeps our brand alive, and with one of the best concessionary packages in the industry, we give our people the rewards and benefits that they deserve. Because the best, deserve the best. 

As a dedicated Pilot for our iconic brand, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary alongside: 

• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection 
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Loss of Licence cover, covering injury and illness
• Access to our employee assistance programme and Digital GP service
• Up to seven Free of Fare standby flights a year, plus unlimited discounted tickets, to any of Virgin Atlantic’s global destinations (did someone say Vegas!) and other industry-leading staff travel benefits*
• A high-energy work environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages you to bring your whole self to work
• Investment in ongoing training and development

* after a qualifying period of six months

We may alter or withdraw non-contractual benefits at our discretion from time to time.