“We are thrilled that a company as prestigious as Virgin Atlantic has selected Wales for its newest customer service center. Wales offers businesses lower costs, a productive, talented workforce, as well as strong government support,” said Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister at the Welsh Assembly Government. “This decision continues to build on the reputation that Wales has developed for providing the right environment and people to met the demands of the call center environment.”

Virgin Atlantic’s decision to open a center in Swansea reinforced the findings of the 2009 U.K. Contact Centre Decision Maker’s Guide that judged Wales to be the U.K.’s best location for call centers. Currently, 28,000 people are employed in call centers in Wales.

Julie Southern, Chief Commercial and Financial Officer for Virgin Atlantic, commented, “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.”

Virgin Atlantic, which last year celebrated its 25th anniversary, operates a fleet of 38 aircraft, flying from London to 30 destinations worldwide.