Hey guys, I'm addressing this question to any VX Pilots. I'm currently retired USAF and am now now sitting right seat at a regional looking at "career airline." I've done some research into the various LCC's out there including Virgin America and it's peaked my interest for many reasons.

The BIG concern of mine is obviously financial performance, and future profitability. An opportunity has just presented itself to possibly get on board and I can't not at least take a hard look at Virigin. I see alot of great things and some not so great, but it is a start up, and timing being what it is, the economy isn't helping.

I see alot of potential here, ie: Jet Blue, South West, West Jet.
Then there are those that didn't get there People's Express, Morris etc.

Again I see ALOT of potential here, I just don't have the longevity (Age) to jump into this without some kind of informed idea of where VX is going, and how it's going to get there. I'd really appreciate VX Pilot's/Employee opinion on what they see and how they feel about the future of the airline.

P.S. I am aware of the non Union, and the pay scales, I know this.
I'm exploring options, asking questions, trying to make an informed decision concerning my career.

Thanks in Advance for any thoughtful advice.

 

I'm not VX (yet), but I agree with the potential that the company has. They have many aircraft on order. They have a solid business plan and it seems a steady supply of capital. They also are close to turning a profit. I think it would be a decent gamble. They have an excellent product and are doing something most of the other airlines can't seem to grasp...providing customer service.

Fear not, Fishfubi will be along in a few minutes to remind you that you'll be flying for turboprop wages, wearing a uniform that makes you look like President of the Johnny Cash Fan Club and that you're single-handedly bringing the whole industry down because you're non-ALPA.

There...saved him the typing.

 

Obviously you may have other considerations but here are a few things to think about:


The main reason guys stay at regionals, other than those who want to stay there for a career, is to build aircraft commander hours and become competitive to move on. This may not apply in your case because your regional is not upgrading quickly or you already have competitive qualifications for the majors. Both of these are reasons not to stay.


On the other hand, why not take advantage of an opportunity at Virgin? The Airbus time in itself is pretty valuable and you can always move on if you land a more desirable job

Good Luck
Scoop

 

Such an ignorant thing to say. There are some individuals who give the industry a bad rap, but I have found the vast majority of employees to provide pretty good customer service. Several go above and beyond. Virgin is not some beacon of light in regards to customer service in this business.

 

1. ALOT is not a word. It's "a lot".

2. Morris was bought by Southwest, so I'm pretty sure all the pilots are happy.

3. I personally can't see VA making it in the long run, they aren't even close to making money, and all people care about is the bottom dollar. Customer service and mood lighting is nice, but the all mighty dollar wins. I hope I'm wrong, I have a lot of friends there.

4. You'd be crazy not to go there and get the hell out of the right seat of an RJ.

I hope this helps.

RK

 

FWIW: there are a lot of retired AF guys at NK...... plus Spirit is making money and has been around since 1980.

 

^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^

 

[QUOTE=shiftwork;1118022]FWIW: there are a lot of retired AF guys at NK...... plus is Spirit is making money and has been around since 1980.[/QUOTE

I think I know of someone who was hired there recently, I'll definately take a look, thanks!

Still hoping to get feedback from any VX Pilots.

Thanks again for all the responses!

 

Thanks for the heads up EMB, I may have already read his mantra on FI lol. Thats ok, everybody's entitled to their opinion and all.

As far as your opinion on VX, I tend to agree, thanks!

 

LOL.., yeah I'm went from being a 'hunt and peck typist" to being a cell phone hunt and pecker. Hell I'm doing good just to make sense half the time lol

Your right, David Neeleman did sell to SW thanks for pointing that out. I think the man was on to something by the way. Did you know he initially collaberated with Richard Branson to start Virgin America in the 90's? Only when RB backed out (out of sheer frustration at trying to get past the foriegn ownership issues) did Neeleman go on to start JetBlue.

I do agree that 'so far' what I've seen and read, throughout the decades of airline history in the US.., money is in fact the botom line. Hence my concern with VX's future.

Thanks!