Virgin Atlantic and Swansea Drydocks promise new jobs
Almost 300 new transport jobs are being created in Swansea by two companies.
The Virgin Atlantic airline is creating more than 200 jobs over the next two years with the opening of a customer service centre.
The company says it plans to open the new centre at Alexandra House in Swansea by September and will start recruiting later this month.
Meanwhile, about 85 jobs are being created by Swansea Drydocks repairing, maintaining and breaking up ships.
The airline said it would run in conjunction with its existing centre in Crawley, West Sussex.
The airline’s chief commercial and financial officer, Julie Southern, 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.”
Major cities
The airline operates a fleet of 38 aircraft out of London Heathrow and Gatwick, and flies to 30 destinations worldwide.
The investment has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and Deputy First Minister and Economy and Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “Virgin Atlantic is one of the world’s largest airlines serving the world’s major cities and it’s excellent news to attract a business of this calibre to Wales.”
He said the investment would provide an “important boost to the local economy creating a range of jobs and career opportunities which is of particular importance during the current economic climate”.
“The assembly government will continue to work with and support Virgin Atlantic to ensure the maximum success for the investment in Wales,” he said.
The call centre will handle UK and US calls, mainly dealing with customer service and sales.
Swansea Drydocks Ltd said it aimed to invest more than £4m in refurbishment, machinery and equipment to create about 85 new jobs.
It said the move was to meet a growing demand in Europe for “environmentally responsible” ship recycling facilities.
The company said it would recruit, train and continuously develop a multi-skilled team of around 85 employees, whose activities would also create new jobs among suppliers in Swansea.
Operations are expected to begin this year.
It said it would be applying to the Environment Agency for a permit to handle hazardous materials as part of the ship recycling process.
View our latest Travel Jobs in Swansea.
Source : BBC News
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