Virgin Atlantic recruits 1,400 staff

Virgin Atlantic is recruiting 1,400 staff after announcing the launch of new routes to the Caribbean and Australia.

The airline is also increasing existing services to the US and Asia.

Sir Richard Branson said he is recruiting 700 cabin crew, 70 pilots, 300 ground handling staff and another 300 or so office workers.

The expansion would take Virgin Atlantic to 8,100 staff, equivalent to levels-before big job cuts announced in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The airline is also taking on two more extralong Airbus aircraft. Much of the recovery, which could see Virgin Atlantic profits of more than £16 million, is being driven by returning business passengers, said Sir Richard.