How to start a virtual airline

You can have a working virtual airline (VA) in a few weekends. The steps below are in the order that saves the most rework: decisions first, software second, pilots last. If you're still weighing up whether to do it at all, read why start a virtual airline first: running a VA is a long-term commitment.

Step 1: decide what your airline is

Write one sentence that describes your VA. For example: "A fictional regional airline flying turboprops around New Zealand, with relaxed rules and a weekly group flight." That sentence answers the questions everything else depends on:

• Real or fictional? Modelling a real airline gives you a ready-made network and brand recognition. A fictional one gives you full freedom.
• Where and what? A region, a hub, a fleet type (airliners, cargo, bush, helicopters).
• Which simulators? We'd accept Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 and 2024 and X-Plane 11 and 12 at least, plus FSX and Prepar3D if your fleet works in them. Narrowing it down only makes sense if your routes or aircraft need it.
• How realistic? Strict operating procedures and online ATC only, or fly when and how you like. Pick one and say so clearly.

Step 2: choose a name, code and look

Pick a name that's easy to say and search for, and check nobody else in the hobby already uses it. Choose a three-letter callsign-style code (such as a made-up ICAO-style code) and check that it doesn't clash with another VA you'll share airspace with on online networks.

Then make a simple logo in light and dark versions, and choose two brand colours. You'll use these on your website, your community server and your ACARS client. If you model a real airline, make it clear on your site that you're a fan project with no affiliation.

Step 3: set up a website and crew system

Your crew system is the heart of the VA. It holds your pilot roster, schedules, bookings, PIREPs, hours and ranks. You have three broad options:

phpVMS is where we'd start. You'll need a domain name and web hosting that meets its requirements. Check the phpVMS documentation for current requirements before you buy hosting. What phpVMS is explains what it does and what it needs.

Step 4: build a starter route network and fleet

Resist the urge to load hundreds of routes on day one. A small, well-chosen network is easier to maintain and makes the airline feel busy:

• We suggest one or two hubs and 20 to 50 routes to start.
• Mix sector lengths: some 30 to 60 minute hops for weeknights, some longer flights for weekends.
• Only include aircraft that are available and flyable in the simulators you support.
• Group aircraft into fleets or subfleets, which you'll tie to ranks in the next step.

Step 5: set ranks and rules

Ranks give pilots something to work towards. We'd start with a simple ladder of four or five ranks based on flight hours, with each rank opening up bigger aircraft or longer routes. See virtual airline ranks for example ladders.

Write a short rule set covering joining, activity requirements, which flights count, how PIREPs are reviewed and how pilots should treat each other. Keep it to a page. In our view, a long, strict rule set puts off new pilots more than anything else.

Step 6: connect an ACARS client

An ACARS client runs alongside the simulator, records each flight and files the PIREP to your crew system. Without one, pilots have to type their flights in by hand, and you can't trust or check the numbers.

When choosing one, check which simulators and operating systems it supports, whether pilots have to pay for it, how it connects to your crew system and what happens to a flight if the simulator crashes. Virtual airline software goes through the whole stack.

Step 7: set up your community space

Pilots need somewhere to talk, ask for help and hear about events. We'd use a community chat server with channels for announcements, help, screenshots and events. Set it up before launch, with a welcome channel that links to your sign-up steps.

Step 8: test everything yourself

Before you invite anyone, create a pilot account and fly at least two complete flights the way a new pilot would: register, sign in to the ACARS client, book a flight, fly it, file the PIREP and check it arrived in your crew system with the right times, route and aircraft.

Fix every rough edge you hit. Assume a new pilot whose first flight fails won't come back.

Step 9: launch and recruit

Open registrations, announce your VA in flight sim communities, and run a group flight in the first week so new pilots have something to join. Then keep a steady rhythm of events. How to grow a virtual airline covers recruiting and keeping pilots.

Common mistakes when starting a VA

• Launching before it works. Broken sign-ups and failed PIREPs lose your first pilots, and they're the ones who'd have told their friends.
• Too many routes, too few pilots. A huge timetable with no one flying it makes the airline look empty.
• Doing everything alone. Recruit one or two staff early so the VA survives your busy weeks.
• Rules nobody can follow. Strict activity rules and long application tests filter out pilots you'd want.
• Copying a real airline's material. Use your own logo and artwork, and state that you're not affiliated.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start a virtual airline?

The main costs are a domain name (yearly) and web hosting (monthly or yearly). The crew system can be free and open source, and some ACARS clients are free for airlines and pilots.

Do I need coding skills to start a virtual airline?

No. Installing phpVMS takes some comfort with web hosting, but no programming. You only need a developer if you want a custom backend or custom features.

How long does it take to set up a virtual airline?

A basic VA with a website, routes, ranks and ACARS can be ready in a few weekends. Expect most of the time to go into routes, rules and testing rather than the software.

Can I start a virtual airline for free?

Close to it. Free website builders exist, but a VA with a proper crew system needs hosting and a domain, which cost a little each year. Everything else can be free.

Where Stratos fits

For step 6, Stratos is a free ACARS client by Skyvex Software that connects to phpVMS 7 through two free, open-source modules, or to your own backend through the open Stratos API. Airline access is by request while Stratos is in early access, and setup is then a guided journey on skyvexsoftware.com: create your airline, connect your crew system, sign in, take off and file your first PIREP. The VA onboarding guide walks through each step, and connecting phpVMS to Stratos explains the modules.