Virtual airlines are just like their real-world counterparts, except they are online and use pilots who use flight simulators! They usually reflect the same routes, flights, aircraft and other attributes of their real life counterpart. Flying for one of these could really bring your flight simulation experience to life and add another dimension of fun or realism to your flights. You're not just flying for fun; your flying hours and experience will be added to your roster. You can also be given specific routes and flights to complete and build up your earnings for your VA.
The purpose
Image shows a screen capture from the Delta Virtual Airlines website.
Virtual airlines have been popular for a very long time, going back to the early versions of flight simulator and the use of the Internet for the general population. They give a sense of achievement and purpose while flying. You are able to complete flights that are assigned to you by the airline you are signed up with and build up your profile and roster. You can also interact with fellow virtual aviators and pilots of your airline, which gives a sense of community and by joining a VA is like becoming a member of a "club", so to speak.
Types of VA's
There are a few types - most of them are based on real life counterparts such as British Airways, Virgin and Delta; while others could be completely made up and imaginary. You can fly for a commercial type VA, which would provide you with assigned routes and flights. There are also a few military airlines or squadrons that you can join if you are more interested in military aviation and flying fighter jets and aircraft.
Join the VA experience
Why not join a one today? It can greatly enhance your simulation experience and bring a new lease of life to your flights. You can interact with the community and become part of the club that is a VA. It's fun and exciting, plus you can also compete against fellow pilots by clocking up your flying hours and flights completed. There are hundreds of airlines to choose from, most of them based on their real life counterparts. Whether it's a small state run airliner or a huge global airline you're interested in; you're sure to find one to suit your needs using our list below.
List of notable airlines
Below in our bullet pointed list are some airlines we have selected to be featured on this page. You may click on each one to view more information about them and choose whether to sign-up with them or not.
- Platinum Airways
- United Virtual Airlines
- Channel Express
- Dutch Airways Virtual
- Sky World Virtual
- Air Wales Virtual
If you own a virtual airline and would like to have it featured on this list, please contact the Fly Away Simulation support team by opening a ticket here. You will need to provide a few paragraphs outlining your VA and some images for the article page we will create for you.
Promotional video example
Below is a promotional video from Transavia Virtual Airlines. Transavia do not have a website of their own, however they are part of the Dutch Virtual Airline Group.
4 comments... read them below or add one
14 years flying V airlines
Wow George, that's a long time. What version of FS did you start with? What airline do you fly for?
Hey cool, my name is in the delta screen cap :) BTW great airline to fly for, their ACARS system is top notch, the folks are friendly and you will become a better fs pilot if you choose to fly for them. or their Air France sister airline, they both use the same ACARS system etc.
Hi Ian, I am more than interested, any guide lines to select the best out?