The facility, opening this September, will run in conjunction with the airline’s existing operation in Crawley, West Sussex.
Julie Southern, chief commercial and financial officer, said Virgin Atlantic was pleased to announce the expansion at a time when very few companies were adding UK jobs.
‘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,’ she added.
‘We are pleased to be retaining our experienced team in Crawley and we are sure that this additional customer service centre in Swansea will serve to enhance the already industry-leading experience that our customers receive.’
The airline’s investment in the region has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Single Investment Fund.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Welsh Minister for the Economy and Transport, said: ‘Virgin Atlantic is one of the UK’s leading airlines serving the world’s major cities and it’s excellent news to attract a business of this calibre to Wales.
‘The Assembly Government has worked closely with the company during the past six months highlighting the advantages of investing in Wales and I am delighted we have been able to support their decision to open a new centre in Swansea creating a substantial number of new jobs.
‘It will 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.’
Separately, Virgin Atlantic announced it had appointed Greg Dawson as director of corporate communications, effective 7 June.
Dawson is currently director of communications for budget hotel chain Travelodge, which he joined in 2005.
Prior to Travelodge he was head of public relations at Churchill Insurance and before that worked at J Sainsbury.
Dawson is a non-executive director of Tourism South East and also a member of the Government Tourism Advisory Council, which helps to advise the Tourism Minister on key industry issues.
At Virgin Atlantic he will report in to chief executive Steve Ridgway. Reporting to Dawson will be Anna Knowles, Virgin Atlantic’s head of PR, who will continue to manage the airline’s press office team.
See also:
Virgin breaks BA’s ‘virtual monopoly’ on Accra (02/03/2010)
Branson condemns BA/AA decision (15/02/2010)
Virgin calls for Tory pledge on APD (30/10/2009)
Virgin and ITP join forces (28/10/2009)