Flight Planning Specialist

Job details

Hours: 4 on / 4 off shift (2 days 07.00 - 19.00 /2 nights 19.00 - 07.00)

Location: Crawley, West Sussex (no remote or hybrid working due to the nature of the role)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 31st January 2026

In a nutshell

At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it's our vision to become the Most Loved Travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we're harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.

Our Flight Planning department based in our OCC is on the lookout for those that would love to come and be a part of an incredible Network Operations team as a Specialist - Flight Planning, so would encourage applications from those who want to be part of our journey.

As a Specialist - Flight Planner at Virgin Atlantic, you'll be responsible for creating cost-efficient Operational Flight Plans (OFP) and briefing material for all Virgin Atlantic flights world-wide, in compliance with company and UK Air Ops operations manuals, whilst maintaining proactive oversight of the fleet by communicating effectively with affected stakeholders and operating Flight Crew.

Based in our Operations Control Centre (OCC) the team play an integral part in the delivery of the Virgin Atlantic flying programme, ensuring flights are planned in a safe, efficient, and regulatory compliant manner. To achieve this, the team must assess a wide range of tactical information including meteorological data, Airfield NOTAMs and airspace ATC flow restrictions.

Day to day

Reporting to the on-shift Duty Manager – Flight Planning:

• Ensure that the OFP is delivered to flight crew within agreed timeframes along with all appropriate briefing materials.
• File the ATC Flight Plan with all relevant ANSPs and brief the operating flight crew as required.
• Perform aircraft take-off and landing performance calculations based on prevailing airfield conditions.
• Understand and consider the impact of performance and route limiting MEL defects.
• Act as the point of contact for operating Flight Crew, including in-flight support of fuel critical scenarios, ETOPS alternates, and route changes, to aid safe and efficient flight continuation.
• Monitor real-time messages (Eurocontrol NMP, SITA, AFTN, ACARS and email), and take appropriate action.
• Proactively monitor airspace and airfield restrictions, using Flight Watch tools and system automation.
• Provide timely solutions to operational delays and guide diversion planning as required for aircraft in-flight, whilst supporting affected stakeholders.
• Log events accurately to support operational reviews, trend analysis and compliance monitoring.
• Continuously review Flight Planning related documentation and notices to maintain compliance in role.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders, translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable information using established regulations and standard procedures.

About you

Are you an aviation professional with a background in an Airline Operations?

Do you have operational experience in a Flight Planning environment (Long-Haul/North Atlantic and/or ETOPS preferred)?

In addition to the above we are looking for our successful candidate to demonstrate the following:

• Successful completion of a formal Flight Planner or Flight Dispatcher training course.
• Knowledge of Flight Planning systems & Crew Briefing Procedures
• Understanding of aircraft performance capabilities
• Ability to interpret aeronautical data and navigation charts
• A conscientious attention for detail
• Knowledge of aviation regulations and compliance requirements for Flight Planning.
• Experience of working in a 24/7 shift environment including OCC or similar.

Our differences make us stronger

Our customers come from all walks of life — and so do our colleagues. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world, regardless of age, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

If you need any adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. You can contact our team at recruitment@fly.virgin.com, confident that your individual needs will be fully supported.