Virgin Atlantic plans 1,000 new posts by 2007

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

LONDON (AFP) — Virgin Atlantic said it planned 1,000 new jobs over the next 18 months as part of a major expansion for the airline, despite being faced with extra costs as oil prices surge to record high points.

Virgin, 51-percent owned by British tycoon Richard Branson's Virgin Group and 49-percent by Singapore Airlines, said it would recruit a total of 1,500 employees by 2007, though 500 of the positions would result from natural staff turnover.

Virgin Atlantic currently employs about 8,500 staff worldwide.

The recruitment drive is part of an expansion programme announced by Virgin last year, which includes also the introduction of new routes and planes.

The airline launched on Monday new routes to Cuba and The Bahamas, coinciding with an increase...