EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic have announced they are to operate a pilot exchange programme, with 20 easyJet pilots to join Virgin on secondment to train on the long-haul carrier’s Airbus A350 wide-body fleet.
The easyJet pilots will join Virgin Atlantic as co-pilots for three years before returning to the short-haul carrier.
The exchange programme will commence from November, with the pilots switching from flying easyJet’s Airbus A320s to Virgin’s recently acquired A350s.
In a statement announcing the partnership, easyJet noted it is in the process of recruiting 1,000 new pilots between 2022 and 2027.
The easyJet pilots stand to gain more than 1,500 hours of experience flying the A350, while Virgin Atlantic will benefit from having the experienced short haul pilots from across Europe join its team.
EasyJet director of flight operations for easyJet Captain Bart Prudon said: “We pride ourselves on the calibre of our pilots at easyJet, on our industry-leading training and commitment to career development, so we’re delighted to have partnered with Virgin Atlantic to enhance the opportunities flying with easyJet can offer.”
He explained: “Operating a different aircraft type is a fantastic experience for any pilot and this partnership will offer global long-haul flying with the security of returning to easyJet.
“We know our highly skilled pilots will add great value to the Virgin Atlantic team.”
Robbert Strating, Virgin Atlantic vice president for flight operations, added: “The introduction of our pilot placement programme with easyJet will welcome experienced easyJet pilots directly into the Virgin Atlantic family, giving them the opportunity to fly our state-of-the-art, next generation widebody Airbus aircraft.
“EasyJet’s extensive basing network will allow us to attract pilots from across Europe.”
EasyJet noted places on its Generation EasyJet Pilot Training Programme, which aims to train more than 1,000 new pilots by 2027, are still open.