Pilot Swap: easyJet, Virgin Atlantic Launch New Exchange Program

Pilots from the low-cost-carrier will be able to gain experience in the right seat of an A350.

An easyJet Airbus A320 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Pilots ]September 5, 2024 2:26 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

easyJet and Virgin Atlantic recently announced a new pilot exchange program that will allow a group of easyJet pilots to gain experience flying long-haul routes.

The program begins in November 2024 and will see 20 easyJet pilots transition from flying Airbus A320s on short-haul routes to co-piloting Virgin Atlantic’s A350 aircraft on long-haul flights. After three years, the pilots will return to their positions at easyJet.

“At easyJet we pride ourselves on the calibre of our pilots, our industry-leading training and commitment to career development and so we are delighted to have partnered with Virgin Atlantic to further enhance the opportunities flying with easyJet can offer,” said Captain Bart Prudon, Director of Flight Operations at easyJet, in a news release. “Operating a different aircraft type is a fantastic experience for any pilot and this partnership will not only offer global long-haul flying with the added security of returning to easyJet to continue a fantastic career flying modern aircraft across Europe, we know that our highly-skilled pilots will add great value to the Virgin Atlantic team.”

According to easyJet, this partnership offers benefits for both airlines. Pilots from the budget airline will gain experience flying larger aircraft on long-haul routes, while Virgin Atlantic will benefit from the expertise of experienced A320-series pilots from across Europe.

easyJet is currently in the midst of a five-year recruitment drive to add 1,000 new pilots to its ranks as part of a program that kicked off in 2022.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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