ADELAIDE RECRUITEMENT DRIVE IN FULL SWING

Virgin Blue Airlines has been thrilled yet again by the number of job applications received, after announcing its intention to further expand the operation by opening up another route.

More than 2,500 motivated South Australians have expressed their interest in joining the Virgin Blue team when the airline begins operating between Adelaide and Brisbane early next year.

The Virgin Blue recruitment team has arrived in Adelaide to conduct interviews with potential employees.

Virgin Blue, Australia’s freshest airline, plans to begin its Adelaide service by February 2001 and is now recruiting for ground staff to be based at Adelaide’s international airport.

The positions up for grabs include check-in/customer service staff, airport pit crew, as well as airport and duty managers.

Head of Human Resources, Bruce Highfield, is ecstatic with the level of interest from people wanting to be part of the Virgin Blue team, with the enthusiastic recruitment trend experienced in other states, continuing in South Australia.

“ Receiving more than 2,500 resumes for 40 positions is absolutely phenomenal, even considering unemployment levels are at an historic low. We’ve been most impressed with the calibre of candidates as well as their genuine excitement about working for a people focused airline. We are looking for pro-active, dynamic people who will go out of their way to take care of our guests because they want to, not just because they are expected to,” said Bruce Highfield.

Virgin Blue will initially operate two return direct flights between Brisbane and Adelaide, venturing into a market that is currently neglected.

Brett Godfrey, Chief Executive Officer added, “The people of Adelaide are missing out, as the market is under serviced by the existing duopoly. Virgin Blue is eager to open up air travel to those South Australians who have been deprived of fair air fares.”

He continued, “We differ in opinion to Qantas and Ansett in that we believe there is a demand not just from leisure travellers but also from business travellers, for a direct link between these two key cities. Virgin Blue will cater for business traffic by operating a business friendly schedule featuring same day direct services to allow for a full working day in either Adelaide or Brisbane”.

Virgin Blue will operate out of the international terminal at Adelaide airport with a new domestic express check-in facility and gate lounge being built to cater for Virgin Blue guests.