"Virgin Atlantic is to accept trainee pilots with no flying experience, the airline has announced.

The firm has launched an 18-month training programme in conjunction with Southampton-based CTC Aviation.

Would-be pilots will undergo pre-flight training, flight deck simulation at CTC's Southampton centre and flight training in Phoenix, Arizona.

The course leads to the Civil Aviation Authority's multi pilot licence and a position as a Virgin Atlantic co-pilot.

Virgin's flight operations general manager David Kistruck said: "Our people have always been at the heart of Virgin Atlantic and we're delighted to offer this opportunity to a whole new generation of flyers.

"They'll be part of the Virgin family from day one and will enjoy an opportunity like no other, as the only trainee pilots in Europe to fly straight on to long-haul aircraft once qualified."
Applicants are required to have a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent including maths, science and English.

Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic announced it would stop running Little Red, its UK flight network launched in 2013, next year.

The flights between London Heathrow and Manchester will stop in March, while those between Heathrow and Edinburgh and Aberdeen will end in September."


Put them in an Airbus, show them where the "FLY" button is, and let's party!

What could go wrong?