tyrael37

Is intent the same as actually placing the order? This order would triple the fleet (if you count the A319s and be just about 40 shy of catching up to jetBlue's A320 fleet size. With big expansion comes big.... Are they still hiring?

Breaking: Virgin America to buy up to 60 A320 with sharklets - FlightBlogger - Aviation News, Commentary and Analysis

NEDude

So with the six aircraft coming this year, and the 24 coming in 2011 and 2012, plus this new order starting in 2013, that should take us to at least 96 airplanes and possibly up to 116. Yep, things are looking real bleak for VX.

mxracr

Crap, I wasted all that time doing the drug test last month. I could have sold that wizz to one of my sports heros. What a waste. (kidding obviously as I stare at the phone, waiting for it to ring)

3XLoser

Yes, but I have no idea how to get in, or how they'll be able to hire enough people to fly the new airplanes. I just got my rejection. 12,000+ TT, mostly jet, 5,000+ PIC, plenty of glass, absolutely spotless record, not even a speeding ticket ever, gobs of quality customer service experience, I'm the guy who gets along with everyone on the company's roster and I even had a couple internal recs. that said so, good GPA in college, and even a decent haircut. This was the first unsuccessful interview of my career, and it wasn't just me; I know a dozen other experienced, safe, all-around excellent pilots that they've turned down also. Have no idea what they could be looking for (obviously). They do read these web-boards too, so maybe they'll start placing hints out here, so they won't have to reject so many of us. It seems like a good job for those who can crack the code.

FlyinPiker

Impressive Stats! Maybe they're worried with that resume you'll be able to easily jump ship as things pick up.

I remember back in the day at one point America West started being strangely selective about their hiring practices ( guys were getting hired and jumping ship to Southwest, United, and Jetblue).

You have a good attitude and plenty of experience. My bet is the "aviation gods" have something better planned for you.

B757200ER

I'm suprised they can get financing to order so many jets without having made a proifit yet. Creative accounting. I also never thought they'd grow that big.

FlyinPiker

I agree.

Heck thought the same thing about Jetblue and they made it!

On the other hand Skybus had damn near 50 a/c on order as well and that didn't quite work out.

Orders are better than no orders, but I'd say a lot is left to be proven.

3XLoser

Thanks. So far they rejected three out of the four of us interviewing that day. The other guy was afraid to check his inbox last I talked to him, but I think they'll hire him; he actually had a recommendation letter from a member of the interview panel. They have to hire someone if they're going to grow that quick.

whaledriver1

It sounds impressive, you may have been over qualified? The smaller upstarts such as Virgin may perceive it as a threat, perhaps only a stepping stone to the big boys FEDEX, DAL, SWA, ECT.

I have a good friend that was hired at Virgin with very low total time, No jet PIC, No large jet (Airbus or Boeing) time, minor violation, and only a high school diploma.

He even assumes its a short term gig until his number is called at a larger airline... who knows if or when that will ever occur. I wouldn't worry too much, just keep applying to other airlines.

SUX4U

Whale, do you have any more specific's to your friend that supposedly got hired at VX without meeting any of the minimums? Just curious if he had some high up internal recs? For other guys out there in the know, are minimums flexed at discretion or not? I have heard numerous accounts of conflicting info and would like to have the facts. Thanks!