Airbus First Officer & Senior First Officer – Long‑Haul Operations (London Heathrow)

🧭 The role

You’ll operate Airbus aircraft on long‑haul sectors from London Heathrow, upholding Virgin Atlantic’s high standards of safety, professionalism and service. As a key member of the flight deck, you’ll combine precise aircraft handling with excellent decision‑making and strong human factors to deliver operational excellence every flight.

🧰 What you’ll do

• Demonstrate excellent aircraft handling and adherence to SOPs across all phases of flight.
• Maintain extensive procedural and technical knowledge of Airbus systems and company operations.
• Deliver a consistently exceptional customer journey while meeting on‑time and performance targets.
• Champion safety, compliance and just culture in every decision—on the ground and in the air.
• Exhibit strong leadership, communication and crew resource management; model outstanding human factors.
• Make values‑based decisions aligned to Virgin Atlantic’s standards and operational priorities.
• Operate long‑haul services from Heathrow to destinations worldwide.

📋 Minimum requirements

• Flight time: minimum 1,500 hours (First Officer) or 3,000 hours (Senior First Officer) on multi‑pilot turbojet/turboprop aircraft with MTOW ≥ 10 tonnes or > 19 passenger seats.
• Current type rating on Airbus A320, A330, A340, A350 or A380.
• Unfrozen ATPL issued by the UK CAA with valid Airbus type rating upon joining.
• Current UK Class One Medical Certificate.
• ICAO Level 6 English Proficiency.
• Military applicants welcome: prior experience on C‑17 Globemaster, A330 Voyager, Poseidon, A400M Atlas, RC‑135, Wedgetail AEW, or Envoy IV.

🌟 What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary.
• Four contract types available.
• Ten confirmed days off every 12 months plus 35 days’ annual leave.
• Duty swap flexibility with colleagues.
• Nine duty preferences (e.g., early/late patterns and regional preferences).
• Excellent overtime and disruption pay.
• Industry‑leading training, career development and a clear pathway to Captain.
• Private Medical Scheme.
• Life Insurance and Income Protection.
• Loss of license cover (including injury and illness).
• Generous contributory pension scheme (up to 15% company contribution).
• Industry‑leading Staff Travel benefits.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Digital GP service.
• Virgin Group discounts.
• An inclusive workplace with active diversity and inclusion support networks.

📨 How to apply

If you meet the minimum criteria and are ready to progress your Airbus career on a world‑class long‑haul operation, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your application with your current CV, total and recent hours breakdown, licence and medical details, and Airbus type rating validity.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with next steps. Eligibility to hold a UK CAA licence and medical is required.