Learn how Microsoft Flight Simulator virtual airlines work, how to choose and join one, log flights, and avoid having your first flight rejected.
A virtual airline in Microsoft Flight Simulator is a player-run organisation that recreates airline operations through published routes, schedules, ranks and logged flights. To join one, choose a VA that supports your simulator and platform, register on its site, meet its entry rules, then install its flight-logging tool or submit reports manually.
What a virtual airline does
A virtual airline, usually shortened to VA, adds an organised airline operation around Microsoft Flight Simulator. It may imitate a real carrier or run a fictional fleet, but it normally operates independently of Microsoft and any real airline whose branding it uses.
Members select or book flights and submit a PIREP, meaning pilot report, after landing. Many VAs use an external tracker, often called an ACARS client, to record departure and arrival airports, times, aircraft, route and landing data automatically.
- Published routes, timetables and fleet assignments
- Pilot ranks, hours, awards or type qualifications
- Dispatch information and operational procedures
- Group flights, training and online-network events
- Optional aircraft liveries carrying the VA's colours
A VA is not part of MSFS multiplayer and does not unlock aircraft, employment or real-world qualifications. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's Career mode is also separate. Our broader guide to VA membership and flight logging explains how these organisations are typically structured.
How do you join a virtual airline in MSFS?
Joining is an external registration process rather than an option inside Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Choose the operating style. Decide between relaxed flying, realistic scheduled operations, cargo, charter or an online ATC-focused VA.
- Check simulator and platform support. Confirm that the group accepts MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024 and your exact platform. A tracker made for one edition may not yet work correctly with the other.
- Read the rules before registering. Look for minimum activity requirements, permitted aircraft, route restrictions, time-compression rules and any requirement to use an online ATC network.
- Create your pilot account. You may be asked to select a hub, base or division and will usually receive a pilot ID. That ID is not automatically the same as your Xbox gamertag or online-network callsign.
- Set up the logging method. Install the approved tracker on PC, or learn the VA's manual PIREP procedure. Obtain it from the organisation's authorised source and never give a tracker your Microsoft account password.
- Complete the first flight. Book an eligible route, use the assigned flight number and aircraft, start the tracker before moving, then submit or review the PIREP after shutdown.
Console compatibility
PC offers the widest VA compatibility because it can run Windows-based flight trackers and install conventional Community-folder liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on Xbox Series X|S and PS5/PS5 Pro, while MSFS 2020 is available on Xbox but not PlayStation. Consoles cannot run a Windows ACARS client, so console pilots need a VA that accepts manual PIREPs or provides another supported logging method. Check this before joining; some groups are effectively PC-only.
Which type of virtual airline should you choose?
Choose according to the amount of structure you want, not simply the size of the fleet or the number of routes advertised.
| VA style | Typical expectations | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | Broad aircraft choice, flexible routes and light activity rules | Pilots who want freedom over when and where they fly |
| Realism-focused | Scheduled sectors, fleet restrictions, procedures and detailed tracking | Pilots who enjoy airline-style discipline |
| Online-network focused | Live ATC flights, correct callsigns and radio procedures | Pilots comfortable flying with human controllers |
| Fictional or open-fleet | Custom branding and fewer real-airline limitations | Pilots who value variety over replication |
Also inspect the inactivity policy, supported time zone, tracker compatibility and how clearly rejected flights can be appealed. Joining is normally free. Treat mandatory paid aircraft or scenery as a practical cost when comparing groups.
Do you need VATSIM, special liveries or paid aircraft?
You do not normally need VATSIM, a special paint scheme or a paid aircraft unless the chosen VA makes it a membership or flight requirement.
Many VAs allow offline flights, while others organise or require online operations. If VATSIM is part of the rules, follow our MSFS VATSIM account, client and callsign set-up before attempting a logged flight. VA membership does not grant priority with online controllers.
A livery is cosmetic and is not the same as a complete aircraft package. It must match the exact aircraft model and variant installed; our guidance on finding compatible free airline liveries covers the distinction. If you only use default aircraft, select a VA that explicitly accepts them.
Why was your first virtual-airline flight rejected?
A first flight is usually rejected because its booking, aircraft or recorded telemetry does not match the VA's rules.
- Wrong flight number or callsign: copy it from the booking rather than improvising an airline code.
- Tracker started too late: connect before pushback or engine start if gate-to-gate recording is required.
- No simulator telemetry: confirm that the tracker supports your MSFS edition, shows a live connection and is not being blocked by security software.
- Aircraft mismatch: a different variant may be treated as the wrong fleet type even when it carries the correct livery.
- Disallowed assistance: slew, teleporting, time acceleration, mid-flight repositioning or unlimited refuelling can invalidate a report where the rules prohibit them.
- Route or activity error: the flight may have expired, departed from the wrong airport or fallen outside the pilot's permitted rank.
Read the tracker log and rejection reason before flying the sector again. A simulator crash or internet interruption is not handled identically by every VA; some permit a manual report with supporting details, while others require the complete flight to be repeated.