The budget airline company will team up with its fellow airlines in order to "enhance the opportunities" they can offer to prospective employees.

EasyJet director of flight operations for easyJet Captain Bart Prudon said: “We pride ourselves on the calibre of our pilots at easyJet, on our industry-leading training and commitment to career development, so we’re delighted to have partnered with Virgin Atlantic to enhance the opportunities flying with easyJet can offer.”

Operating a different aircraft type is a fantastic experience for any pilot and this partnership will offer global long-haul flying with the security of returning to easyJet.

“We know our highly skilled pilots will add great value to the Virgin Atlantic team.”

Bosses at Virgin Atlantic are also thrilled with the collaboration, and are confident that the move will enable them to "attract" more pilots to join them,

Robbert Strating, Virgin Atlantic vice president for flight operations, added: “The introduction of our pilot placement programme with easyJet will welcome experienced easyJet pilots directly into the Virgin Atlantic family, giving them the opportunity to fly our state-of-the-art, next generation widebody Airbus aircraft.

“EasyJet’s extensive basing network will allow us to attract pilots from across Europe.”