A flight simulator is computer software, that allows the user - a virtual pilot - to perform virtual flights. Flight simulators can be heavily modified using various add-ons and other modifications.
Apart from third-party aircraft and airport sceneries, which enhance the simulator’s environment, a virtual airline is another possible improvement of virtual flying for entertainment purposes.
To simulate real airline traffic as close to reality as possible, which most flight simulator users tend to do, virtual airlines are one of the favourite improvements. We divide virtual airlines (or VAs for short) into two types: completely fictional, i.e., those that operate under their own callsign and with their own customized fleet and network, and those which are either inspired by a real airline, or directly try to get as close as possible to the selected company, namely with its fleet, flights, destinations, and other aspects.
VAs usually use specialised software to record the progress of one’s simulated flight. The flight record, commonly referred to as “log” or “PIREP”, is then sent into the virtual airline’s system, where, if the record is acceptable within the airline’s limits, it is added to the pilot’s statistics and their logbook. The pilot builds up their flight time, earns virtual currency or points, expands their list of visited airports, etc.
It may sound complicated, but there is really nothing difficult about it - and perhaps we can safely say that almost everyone who is serious about virtual flying is a member of a virtual airline.
Virtual airlines using our system, skySYS:
SW Group Virtual - website: https://www.tvs-virtual.cz
This is not a real airline. This virtual aviation enthusiast project is in no way officially affiliated with any real airline.