TWO hundred jobs are being created in Swansea at a new Virgin Atlantic customer service centre, it was announced this morning.

The jobs will be created over the next two years at the centre in Alexandra House in Alexandra Road.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, welcomed the investment, which is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Single Investment Fund.

"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 Welsh Assembly Government has worked closely with Virgin Atlantic during the past six months and has been instrumental in convincing the company to establish in Wales and I am delighted we have been able to support their decision to open a new customer services 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.

"Job creating projects like this support our economic recovery programme which is designed to increase the prosperity and long-term well-being of the people of Wales and encourage a stronger and more sustainable economy.

"The Assembly Government will continue to work with and support Virgin Atlantic to ensure the maximum success for the investment in Wales."

He said Virgin Atlantic's decision reinforced the findings of the 2009 UK Contact Centre Decision Maker's Guide that judged Wales to be the UK's best location for these centres.

Julie Southern, Chief Commercial and Financial Officer with Virgin Atlantic 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. We are lucky to have dedicated and passionate staff and are sure those in Swansea will be no exception!"

The new centre will handle UK and US calls, primarily dealing with customer service and sales, as well as enquiries from members of Virgin Atlantic's frequent flyer club.

The airline, which last year celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first flight from London Gatwick to New York, currently operates a fleet of 38 aircraft out of London Heathrow and Gatwick flying to thirty destinations worldwide.

The Swansea centre will run in conjunction with an existing operation in Crawley.

Virgin Atlantic Airways will start recruiting in late March with the aim of having the new centre operational by September.