A virtual airline (VA) is a dedicated hobby organization that uses flight simulation to model the operations of an airline. Virtual airlines generally have a presence on the internet, similar to a real airline. There are over 100 virtual airlines of significance currently active in the internet (supporting a number of flightsims), with thousands of participants involved at any one time each using different simulator platforms.
Purpose
Virtual airlines were started to give a sense of purpose to activities conducted within a flight simulator. This basic premise has evolved over time, along with available technology, to provide increasing levels of immersion but always with the same core purpose. When combined with increasingly powerful personal computers, advancing flight simulation software, and communications networks, virtual airlines are often able to provide compelling, realistic, experiences similar to operations inside a real airline. Virtual airlines also provide an avenue for members to gain access to additional content, such as aircraft and scenery, for use with their simulator. The appeal varies; for younger members, virtual airlines provide a sandbox environment where they can experience the corporate environment of commercial business in the airline industry, without the risk of financial loss. These organizations also provide an outlet for those who are interested in aviation but unable to fly themselves in real life due to financial, health, or other reasons.
Most of all, its one step closer to enthusiasts feeling more involved in an airline environment and share their interests with others.
Virtual Airlines also benefit the flight simulator community by providing valuable services such as ATC, events, and general help and knowledge.
Common elements
There are several elements that are common across many virtual airlines:
A website as the focal point of the community
Internet forum where discussion and social interaction can occur
Customized livery that users can download together with aircraft and install in their flight simulator
Route schedules for members to fly in their simulators
Multiplayer events, often on a game network such as VATSIM or IVAO
Less common elements include:
An Online database for recording and reporting flights and membership statistics
Dedicated game server hosting to provide private areas for members to complete flights
Award, rank and recognition systems
Voice over Internet Protocol servers for members to communicate freely by voice
Virtual airlines
Charter Aviation
Main hub
EGLL
Established
November 2013
Airline details
Status
Active
History
Charter Aviation is a virtual charter service airline. Any aircraft, any route, anytime. Any aircraft you can sim, any route you want to take it, anytime you want to fly. We're the guys who get the aircraft where they need to be.
Re-branded to Dravion Airlines and focused on regional flights in Ukraine (Aug 2014).
Re-branded again in to Voxy Airlines and it primarily serves as and flies under the name of other airlines it has contracted (sep 2018).
Voxy Airlines primarily paid to operate and maintain aircraft used on flights that are scheduled, marketed, and priced by a partner mainline.
Fleet
Airbus A350-900XWB
Airbus A300-600ST
Tupolev Tu-134B
Ilyushin Il-76MD
Callsign format
VOXxxxx (x = number)
Worldwide Airways Virtual
Main hub
KSFO
Established
September 2016
Airline details
Status
Active and Looking For Pilots
History
Worldwide Airways is an international Virtual Airline offering realistic, professional and exciting flights! Fly over the world, to a large selection of beautiful destinations; with modern aircraft and of course, fly online for more fun, and professionalism!
Founded as KSUU Crew over friendly dogfights in the F-14B over the skies of Travis Air Force Base, OPRF slowly took over training and patrol duties in the south-western United States on behalf of the USAF. OPRF has fought all over the world gaining prestige and recognition, from the Alps to the Himalayas, from North Korea to Georgia to Alaska, in an ever-expanding fleet of fighters and support aircraft. Member pilots get to learn the knowledge, skills and tactics that define the fighter pilot and are engaged in monthly major events and regular training.
The First Air Force in FlightGear was established as a virtual group inspired by the real-world First Air Force. Created to emulate its mission and operations, the group became a hub for aviation enthusiasts, achieving prominence as one of the most active and dedicated communities during the summer of 2024.
