Virgin Atlantic to open contact centre in Swansea

Sir Richard Branson’s company, Virgin Atlantic, is to open a new contact centre in Swansea, creating more than 200 contact centre jobs over the next two years.

It will be handling UK and US calls, dealing with customer service and sales, as well as inquiries from members of Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer club.

The multi-award winning airline, which last year celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first flight from London Gatwick to New York, operates a fleet of 38 aircraft out of London Heathrow and Gatwick, flying to 30 destinations worldwide.

The company’s existing UK contact centre, based in Crawley, currently deals with all UK and US customer calls.  The Swansea centre will run in conjunction with the existing operation.

Virgin Atlantic Airways have started recruiting and aim to have the new centre up and running by September.

Julie Southern, chief commercial and financial officer at Virgin Atlantic said: “Virgin Atlantic is really pleased to be opening a new customer service centre based in Swansea, particularly at a time when few companies are announcing an expansion in job opportunities in the UK.

“We know that Swansea has many experienced customer service staff and we look forward to being able to use their valuable experience to support Virgin Atlantic’s customers. We are lucky to have dedicated and passionate staff and are sure those in Swansea will be no exception.”

Swansea council leader Chris Holley welcomed the airline operator’s confidence in the city.

“This shows huge confidence in Swansea during turbulent economic times and will further help boost the city’s economy and its profile as a leading centre for business”.

The investment has been supported through the Welsh Assembly Government’s Single Investment Fund, which provides funding for business investment.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, called the investment “excellent news”.

He said: “The Welsh Assembly Government has worked closely with Virgin Atlantic during the past six months and has been instrumental in convincing the company to establish in Wales and I am delighted we have been able to support their decision to open a new customer services centre in Swansea, creating a substantial number of new jobs”.

Graham Morgan, director of business group, the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is clear from other major names housing their call centres in Swansea such as Lloyds TSB, HSBC and Acorn’s business centre that Swansea and West Wales are fast becoming an ideal setting for this industry.”