My Virtual Airlines & My Fleet
Currently, I fly for FIVE virtual airlines! A "virtual airline" is exactly that - an internet based, simulated version of a Fictitious OR real world airline. Most of the 200 or so virtual airlines on the internet (known as VA's) are free to join and are often based on a real world counterparts - and they work hard to reflect their real world counterpart's Flight Operations. If you have a computer Flight Simulation programme and are over 16 years of age, then you can join up. Most VA's are very friendly, have a range of flying opportunities for both skilled and novice simulator pilots (we are known as "Simmers" or "virtual or desktop pilots"), provide some training opportunities and can lend a sense of purpose to your computer flying activities.
Kowloon International
Kowloon International is an example of a fictional virtual airline that is NOT based on a real world existing airline. Some years ago, I was among the team that began setting this VA up, but it did not work out and the VA no longer exists. Real pity - I always liked the paint job!
United Airlines
Here is an example of a virtual airline that IS based on a real world existing airline. There are at least SIX different VA's based on United Airlines and they each have something to offer the simulator pilot. United Virtual Airlines is probably the most popular today. Click the LINK to visit their site.
My Virtual Airlines ....
These are the Virtual Airlines that I currently fly for. I fly for all of these because they give me the chance to operate all over the virtual world and I am not just restricted to Europe for example. I can fly in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand. Each VA has it's own ACARs software (used for recording your flight and therefore your flying hours/logbook) and it's own pilot requirements, which mostly are easy to fulfil. Now, I also have my own Private Virtual Airline VAP AIR, with 8 aircraft and 2 Helicopters, all in the new MSFS2020.
My Fleet ....
These are the aircraft I have flown in the past (in FS9, FSX and P3D) and those I fly today in the new MSFS2020. As of 2023, I have over 16,000 flying hours across various aircraft and helicopters in FS9, FSX, P3D and the new MSFS2020. In years gone by, I was heavily involved with the 747-400, and I have around 4200 hours in that aircraft over previous Simulators. Now, currently in MSFS2020, I fly the Boeing 737 (PMDG -600, -700, -800 and -900ER variants), the Boeing 777-300ER, the Airbus A319, A320 & A321 (Fenix), the Airbus A330-900NEO (Headwind), the Cessna C172 Classic, the Bell 47G2 Helicopter (FlyInside) and the Bell 407 Helicopter.
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CLICK EACH VA's IMAGE TO VISIT THEIR MAIN WEBSITE
BAVirtual - based on the real British Airways and my primary VA, I have been with BAVirtual for 22 years now.
FlyUK - a fictional British styled VA that has a variety of operating aircraft and routes, plus code shares, I have been a member of FlyUK now for 8 years. They have one of the simplest ACARs Flight Monitors I have used. And a great bunch of people.
Airbus...
Having been a Boeing man most of my simulated career, it was refreshing to get into the FSLabs Airbus A320 in FSX and P3D, but now I fly the A320NEO (FlyByWire), A319, 320 and A321 (Fenix) and the A330-900NEO (Headwind) in MSFS and I really enjoy these study level jets in MSFS. The Fenix A319 and A321 recently added.
Boeing...
I have flown the 737 and all it's variants in the various Simulators for some years now, but today I fly mostly the 737-800 or the -900 and -900ER with occasional flights using the -600 and -700 and in addition, I also have the Boeing 777-300ER (All from PMDG) now all in MSFS.
VAP AIR - my own fictional, British styled Private VA, we have eight aircraft and two Helicopters. With only TWO pilots on staff, we fly leasing flights anywhere in the world, Long or Short/Medium haul.
Virtual Airlines of Ukraine - primarily focused on Ukraine's national carrier UIA, this VA also includes other Ukrainian carriers including SkyUp, Windrose, Azur Air, MotorSich and Bravo Airways.
World Wide Virtual - Huge number of routes; Create your own Charters; Fly virtually anywhere! Another great bunch of guys and a really great ACARs tracking utility too.
Helicopters...
In addition to the Bell 47G2 (FlyInside), early in 2023, Helicopters were added to MSFS2020 with the new BELL 407 Helicopter. Generally, I fly this aircraft mainly to explore at low level and it is useful when checking out scenery for reviews. Not yet flown it online or for a VA. Current hours = about 70.
Boeing 747-400 ...
Why is this jet listed last, I hear you say? For some time now, my flying has been mainly short/medium haul using the Airbus A320 series or the Boeing 737 in the new MSFS2020 Simulator. In the past, I had a lot of time for long hauls and so many hours were racked up on the 747, certainly while testing for MS UK in the old days. These days, in MSFS2020, the Boeing 747-8 model, available for use, is not study level and therefore not yet at a level where I can fly her with some degree of accuracy. As of now, October 2024, we have the new PMDG 777-300ER airliner, with the -200 and -200LR and -LF variants next scheduled release in due course. Currently, the 747-400 is still in development and release is looking closer than ever from the PMDG stable. In P3D, developed yet again by PMDG, the Queen was a beauty to fly and a real handful for Single Pilot Operations! Sadly, many airlines have phased this great jet out of their flight operations now. A sad time. But I have many memories of flying her into Hong Kong's old Kai Tak Airport!