Virgin to insource international baggage handling

Virgin Australia will bring its Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney international ramp operations in-house from next year. The move will see Virgin now insourcing both its domestic and international short-haul baggage handling, with around 40 ramp staff to be given extra training and upskilling. Melbourne and Sydney will begin the transition from February, with Brisbane to follow suit in May. Virgin currently employs around 1,000 ramp staff. The change will complement the airline’s existing structure in Adelaide, uniting all Virgin’s mainline domestic and international airports under the same model. “This is both the economically rational decision, and core to our commitment to upskilling our people and providing more hours to team members who want them,” a spokesperson said. Virgin Australia’s general manager airport experience, Paul Woosnam, said the airline’s short-haul international operations are important to both Virgin and its customers, with 10-12 flights per day to six Asia-Pacific destinations. “There are plans to grow in this area as we receive our new fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft, presenting great opportunities for Virgin Australia, as well as opportunities for our people to grow and develop,” he said. “Our decision to insource these roles demonstrates Virgin Australia’s commitment to further expand our workgroup and deliver additional work and career opportunities.<br/>