Virtual airlines news are online communities of flight simulation enthusiasts who fly according to the rules and schedules of real-world airlines. They offer a realistic and immersive way to experience the world of aviation, as well as a chance to interact with fellow pilots and share their passion. Virtual airlines have been around for a long time, but they are constantly evolving and adapting to the latest trends and technologies in the flight simulation industry. In this blog post, we will look at some of the most recent developments and news in the virtual airline scene.
VIRTUAL: A New Concept of Social Crowd funding
One of the most innovative and disruptive startups in the virtual airline sector is VIRTUAL, a German company that launched in July 2021. VIRTUAL introduces a new concept of #Social Crowd flying, which aims at crowd funding all flights through a digital portal. This means that anyone can book a seat on a virtual flight, and pay a small fee that goes towards the operating costs of the virtual airline. The more seats are booked, the more likely the flight is to take off. VIRTUAL also offers a variety of perks and rewards for its customers, such as access to exclusive events, discounts on flight simulation products, and the opportunity to influence the future of the company. VIRTUAL operates a fleet of modern and eco-friendly aircraft, such as the Airbus A320neo and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and flies to over 100 destinations worldwide. VIRTUAL claims to be the first virtual airline that is fully compliant with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, and aims to provide a safe and professional service to its customers.
Canadian Xpress: Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence
Another virtual airline that deserves a mention is Canadian Xpress, one of the oldest and most respected virtual airlines in the world. Canadian Xpress was founded in 2009, and has since grown to become a leading force in the virtual airline community. Canadian Xpress operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, ranging from small propellers to large jets, and flies to over 1,500 destinations across the globe. Canadian Xpress is also known for its active and friendly community, as well as its regular events and tours that challenge and entertain its pilots. In 2024, Canadian Xpress is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and has prepared a series of special events and activities to mark the occasion. Some of these include a Pacific Northwest Tour, a Large African Airports Tour, and a North to Alaska Fly-In. Canadian Xpress also released a new livery for the SSG B 747-8 Series Anniversary Edition, a stunning rendition of the iconic jumbo jet for X-Plane 11 and 12.
VATSIM and IVAO: The Ultimate Online Networks
Of course, no virtual airline would be complete without a network to connect with other pilots and controllers. VATSIM and IVAO are the two most popular and widely used online networks for flight simulation, and they both offer a realistic and immersive environment for virtual aviation. VATSIM and IVAO allow users to fly online with real-time weather, traffic, and ATC, as well as to join various events and activities organized by the networks or their partners. VATSIM and IVAO are both free and open to anyone who wants to join, and they both have a large and diverse membership base, with thousands of users online at any given time. VATSIM and IVAO are constantly improving and updating their systems and services, and they both have plans to introduce new features and enhancements in the near future. Some of these include a new voice codec, a new pilot client, and a new ATC client.
Conclusion and FAQ
Virtual airlines are a great way to enjoy flight simulation and to be part of a vibrant and dynamic community of aviation enthusiasts. Virtual airlines offer a variety of benefits and opportunities for their members, such as realism, fun, learning, and socializing. Virtual airlines are also constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of their customers, as well as to the latest developments and innovations in the flight simulation industry. In this blog post, we have looked at some of the most recent news and trends in the virtual airline scene, such as VIRTUAL, Canadian Xpress, and VATSIM and IVAO. We hope that this blog post has given you some insight and inspiration into the world of virtual airlines, and that you will consider joining one or more of them in the near future.
Here are some frequently asked questions about virtual airlines:
What are the requirements to join a virtual airline?
The requirements to join a virtual airline vary depending on the virtual airline itself, but they usually include a minimum age, a valid email address, flight simulator software, and an online network account. Some virtual airlines may also require a minimum number of flight hours, a certain level of skill or knowledge, or a specific type of aircraft or license. You can find the specific requirements for each virtual airline on their website or by contacting them directly.
- How do I join a virtual airline?
To join a virtual airline, you need to fill out an application form on their website, and wait for their approval. Some virtual airlines may also ask you to complete a test flight or an interview before accepting you as a member. Once you are accepted, you will receive a welcome email with your login details and instructions on how to start flying for the virtual airline.
- How do I fly for a virtual airline?
To fly for a virtual airline, you need to log in to their website, and choose a flight from their schedule or create your own flight plan. You then need to launch your flight simulator software, and connect to the online network of your choice. You then need to follow the rules and procedures of the virtual airline, as well as the instructions of the ATC if applicable. You also need to report your flight to the virtual airline, either manually or automatically, using their flight tracking system.
- What are the benefits of joining a virtual airline news?
The benefits of joining a virtual airline are many and varied, but they generally include:
- A realistic and immersive way to experience the world of aviation
- A chance to learn and improve your flight skills and knowledge
- A fun and enjoyable way to spend your free time
- A sense of achievement and purpose while flying
- A community of like-minded and friendly people who share your passion
- A variety of perks and rewards, such as access to exclusive events, discounts on flight simulation products, and the opportunity to influence the future of the virtual airline.