Virgin America

[SnowBoardBum]

http://www.etp.ca.gov/packet/Virgin.pdf

 

[CMonBoard]

A bunch of free government money for training. Let's use eminent domain to "stimulate jobs" while we're at it. Oh, and we have this terminal not being used, why don't you use it for free for a couple years. Landing fees? Deferred.

Really, though, would you leave your "other" LCC to get a chance at a quick upgrade in a "BIG" jet? "Gee, that sounds like fun. I'd do it for $60/hr."

 

[race#53]

Virgin pilots i could believe, they will do anything to fly.......
but where will they find virgin FA's?

 

[Fly BI]

Virgin pilots i could believe, they will do anything to fly.......
but where will they find virgin FA's?

...Oakland is right across the bay

 

[Dennis Miller]

where will they find virgin FA's?

Well they can't hire 12 year olds, so that pretty much takes care of California. Maybe North Dakota?

 

[millhouse21]

Pilot Hourly wage after 90 days "$41.00-126.00"

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Pilot Hourly wage after 90 days "$41.00-126.00"

That sounds a lot better than the original JetBlue pay. In fact current 1st year pay at JBlu is only $37 according to Airlinepilotpay.com

$126 per hour is roughly 9% less than top scale at JetBlue.

Startups historically don't pay as well as established carriers. If you have confidence in the management and want a shot at being near the top of the senioirity list it can make sense to try and get on at the beginning.

 

[RJones]

Just curious, are they accepting applications and if so where?

 

[AA717driver]

RJones--Yeah, they are accepting apps. You can send... DOH!

Actually, I must have been mistaken, I don't think they are looking for anyone right now. I'll PM you when I hear something. In the mean time, ignore anything you see or hear about Virgin America. It's a lie! TC

 

[b757driver]

Just curious, are they accepting applications and if so where?

Just curious also......why would a SWA pilot be even interested in a start-up that may or may not get up off the paper?! You've probably got the best job out there right now.......plus seniority.

 

[Ty Webb]

It would beat home depot, but not by much, given the management team so far.

One of them has stated quietly that they intend to hire 55 year olds and up. . . less pay longevity and they are going to toe the line, since they don't have the luxury of time to go elsewhere . . . .

Nice.

 

[Green]

Ty,

Where did you get that info? Doesn't seem like Branson's style to motivate through intimidation. Virgin Blue in Australia has been doing very well and the few times I flew on them it looked like the fo's couldn't have been a day older than 25.

 

[bafanguy]

One of them has stated quietly that they intend to hire 55 year olds and up. . . less pay longevity and they are going to toe the line, since they don't have the luxury of time to go elsewhere . . . .

Nice.

Not sure I understand that part...unless these 55+'s all have a rating and time in the airplane; there has to be a finite number of these folks. Otherwise, won't the turnover elevate his training costs and defeat his plan to save by having employees with no longevity ?

He better hurry if he wants me...I've only got 2 years/2months shelf life remaining. But, I don't have a rating in the Airbus ( and won't pay for one either ).

It's all soooooooo confusing.

 

[Ty Webb]

Not sure I understand that part...unless these 55+'s all have a rating and time in the airplane . . . . Otherwise, won't the turnover elevate his training costs and defeat his plan to save by having employees with no longevity ?

It's much cheaper to spend $40K training a CA every five years, than to pay him an extra $40K a year being more senior.

A $40K CA training event amortized over five years is less than $8,000 a year. At my LCC, the difference between a year 5 CA and a year 12 CA is about $32K a year . . . . . what's not to get?

 

[bafanguy]

. . . what's not to get?

I'm not disputing anything...just pondering out loud. It's OK...

 

[trashhauler]

That sounds a lot better than the original JetBlue pay. In fact current 1st year pay at JBlu is only $37 according to Airlinepilotpay.com

Actually that's for the 190, right now everyone is still going to the bus at JB. Of course Virgin America won't be in operation until after some 190s are up and running.