Australia’s vibrant aviation industry offers exciting opportunities for aspiring and experienced pilots alike. Among the country’s leading carriers, Virgin Australia stands out with its dynamic work culture, competitive remuneration, and robust career pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying for a major airline while enjoying generous benefits and flexible work arrangements, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a Virgin Australia pilots in 2025.
Virgin Australia at a Glance
Headquartered in Brisbane and operating major hubs in Melbourne and Sydney, Virgin Australia is a key player in Australian aviation. The airline serves over 40 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of more than 100 Boeing aircraft, making it a larger operator than its London-based counterpart, Virgin Atlantic. Known locally as Velocity—a nod to its popular frequent flyer program—Virgin Australia operates around 400 flights daily, blending low-cost and full-service models to suit diverse passenger needs1.
Virgin Australia Pilot Salary Structure (2025)
Effective July 1, 2025, Virgin Australia has set new benchmarks for pilot compensation, reflecting industry standards and the value placed on aviation professionals.
First Officer Salary
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Annual Salary: AU$180,206 (approx. US$117,000)
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Monthly Flying Hours: 70
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Hourly Rates (by seniority):
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First Officer: AU$205.02 (approx. US$133)
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Training First Officer: AU$236.57 (approx. US$153.60)
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First officers play a crucial role in supporting the captain, managing communications, and ensuring smooth flight operations. Experienced first officers are groomed for future command roles, making this position a stepping stone to becoming a captain1.
Captain Salary
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Annual Salary: AU$277,256 (approx. US$180,000)
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Monthly Flying Hours: 70
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Hourly Rates (by seniority):
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Captain: Not explicitly listed, but base annual applies
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Training Captain: AU$346.98 (approx. US$225)
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Senior Training Captain: AU$356.44 (approx. US$231)
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Check Captain: AU$365.91 (approx. US$238)
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Captains bear ultimate responsibility for the safety and efficiency of each flight, including decision-making during emergencies and crew management. Senior captains also mentor co-pilots, preparing them for future command roles1.
Specifications Table: Virgin Australia Pilot Salaries (2025)
| Role | Annual Salary (AU$) | Hourly Rate (AU$) | Flying Hours/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | 180,206 | 205.02 | 70 |
| Training First Officer | — | 236.57 | 70 |
| Captain | 277,256 | — | 70 |
| Training Captain | — | 346.98 | 70 |
| Senior Training Captain | — | 356.44 | 70 |
| Check Captain | — | 365.91 | 70 |
Benefits for Virgin Australia Pilots
Virgin Australia takes pride in offering a holistic employment package that extends beyond competitive salaries.
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Generous Leave: Six weeks of paid days off per year, public holiday compensation, and guaranteed weekends off each month.
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Flexible Rostering: Pilots can opt for part-time work or reduced hours (60% or 80% of full-time), ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
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Career Pathways: Opportunities to transition into corporate roles or become flight trainers, both within and outside the airline.
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Discounted Travel: Significant discounts for pilots and their families on Virgin Australia and partner airlines (e.g., Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic).
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Corporate Deals: Exclusive discounts with hotel, car hire, gym, and travel insurance partners worldwide.
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Insurance Policies: Comprehensive global medical and generous life insurance coverage for all pilots1.
Virgin Australia Fleet Overview
Virgin Australia’s fleet is exclusively Boeing, ensuring pilots gain experience on some of the most advanced commercial aircraft.
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Boeing 737-700: 9
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Boeing 737-800: 79
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Boeing 737 MAX 8: 8
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Boeing 777-300ER: 5 (wet-leased from Qatar Airways)
On Order:
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Boeing 737-800: 1
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Boeing 737 MAX 8: 12
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Boeing 737 MAX 10: 13
This modern fleet supports both domestic and international routes, offering pilots diverse flying experiences1.
How to Become a Virgin Australia Pilot
Becoming a Virgin Australia pilot requires meeting stringent qualifications and passing a rigorous selection process.
Minimum Requirements
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Licenses: Current Australian ATPL or CPL, with all ATPL theory subjects passed.
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Instrument Rating: Australian Instrument Rating with MEA, IAP 2D, and IAP 3D endorsements.
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Language Proficiency: English Level 6.
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Medical: Valid Australian Class 1 Medical Certificate.
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Flight Experience: At least 500 hours total flight time, with 300 hours in command of a powered fixed-wing aircraft (excluding ICUS), including 200 hours in command of a multi-engine aircraft; or 500 hours on multi-crew turbine-powered aircraft1.
Hiring Process
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Application: Submit your resume and supporting documents via the Virgin Australia careers portal.
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Video Interview: Shortlisted candidates complete a structured video interview.
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Assessment: Attend interviews, group exercises, and simulator tests to evaluate suitability and technical skills.
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Offer: Successful candidates receive a conditional offer, followed by background checks, medical exams, and documentation verification1.
A Human Touch: Life as a Virgin Australia Pilot
Working as a Virgin Australia pilot is more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle. The airline fosters a supportive environment where camaraderie among crew members is strong. Pilots often share stories of memorable flights, the thrill of takeoff, and the satisfaction of safely guiding passengers to their destinations. The flexible rostering and generous leave policies allow for quality time with family and friends, while the travel benefits open up the world for exploration.
Many pilots find fulfillment not only in flying but also in mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to the broader aviation community. The sense of pride that comes with wearing the Virgin Australia uniform is matched by the respect and recognition from peers and passengers alike.
Specifications Table: Virgin Australia Fleet (2025)
| Aircraft Type | In Service | On Order |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-700 | 9 | — |
| Boeing 737-800 | 79 | 1 |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Boeing 737 MAX 10 | — | 13 |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 5 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Virgin Australia pilots earn?
First officers earn AU$180,206 annually; captains earn AU$277,256 annually.
What benefits do Virgin Australia pilots receive?
They receive generous leave, flexible rosters, travel discounts, and comprehensive insurance.
Where are Virgin Australia pilots based?
Pilots are based in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, with possible assignments to other focus cities.
Virgin Australia offers one of the most attractive pilot career packages in the Australian aviation sector. With competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and a modern fleet, it’s a sought-after employer for both aspiring and experienced pilots. The airline’s commitment to professional development and work-life balance makes it a standout choice for those looking to soar to new heights in their aviation careers1.
If you’re passionate about flying and seeking a rewarding career with a respected airline, Virgin Australia could be your next destination.
