Swap shop opens for pilots
The latest training aids available for the aviation professional
(Photo Airbus/ Alexandre Doumenjou)
Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have initiated a pilot exchange programme due to begin in November 2024. The arrangement will see 20 pilots from both airlines swap their usual right-hand seat on an Airbus A350 or A320 for the same seat on the other airline’s aircraft. Virgin will benefit from having highly-trained, experienced short-haul easyJet pilots from across Europe join its team. EasyJet pilots require 1,500 hours for their Virgin secondment, but will experience operations on an A350 and further their flight deck experience over long-haul routes. The placements will last for three years, after which the pilots will return to their original airline. Robbert Strating, VP flight operations at Virgin Atlantic, said: “The introduction of our pilot placement programme with easyJet will welcome experienced pilots directly into the Virgin Atlantic family, giving them the opportunity to fly our state-of-the-art, next-generation Airbus widebodies and travel to some amazing destinations, including Los Angeles, India and South Africa. Meanwhile, easyJet’s extensive basing network will allow us to attract pilots from across Europe, reaching new audiences.”