Virtual airline tools
Virtual airline name generator
Type a place, landmark or theme, pick the kind of airline you want to run, and get names with an ICAO-style code, an IATA-style code and a radio callsign for each. Generate again for more.
Ideas
United Hibernian Airlines
ICAO UTD · IATA UD · Callsign Meridian
Lusitan Airways
ICAO LST · IATA LT · Callsign Meridian
Hibernian International
ICAO HIT · IATA HI · Callsign Hibernian
Dalmatian Airways
ICAO DAL · IATA DL · Callsign Banner
Air Dalmatian
ICAO DAN · IATA DA · Callsign Dalmatian
Aeolian Air Corporation
ICAO ANC · IATA AC · Callsign Aeolian
Starting a virtual airline? On Skyvex Software you set up your airline's name, ICAO code, logos and colours in Console, connect phpVMS or your own backend, and your pilots fly it with Stratos, which is free for them. How set-up works.
About the codes
These names and codes are not checked. We can't tell whether a name or code is already used by a real airline or another virtual airline, so search before you commit to one.
Real airline codes are assigned. ICAO assigns three-letter airline designators and their radio callsigns (in its Doc 8585), on a request from the State that has jurisdiction over the operator, and the same designator is not given to more than one operator. IATA assigns two-character designators to airlines it admits. So a real code belongs to a real airline, and a virtual airline can't be assigned one.
Virtual airlines commonly choose a code that no real airline uses, or make it clear in their name that they are virtual. The codes here are built from the letters of each name only to look the part. For what to check next, read real or fictional virtual airline.
Next steps
A name is the start. Our guide to how to start a virtual airline walks through the rest in order: the website and crew system, a starter route network, ranks, ACARS and launch.
Questions
How do you choose a name for a virtual airline?
Pick something easy to say, spell and search for, that suits what you fly: a place or region for a regional or national carrier, a nature word for a bush operation, a brisk word for a low-cost one. Say it out loud, search for it to see whether a real airline or another virtual airline already uses it, and check that the web domain and social handles are free. You'll be typing it for years, so choose one you're happy to rename around, not one that boxes in your fleet or routes.
What are ICAO and IATA airline codes?
An ICAO airline designator is three letters (such as BAW for British Airways), used by air traffic control and in flight plans. An IATA designator is two characters (such as BA), used in timetables, tickets and booking systems. Both are assigned by an authority, ICAO for the three-letter code and IATA for the two-character one, and a real code belongs to one real airline. A virtual airline can't be assigned either, so it picks a code that looks like one. The codes this tool gives you are made from the letters of the name and are not checked against anything.
How do I pick a callsign for my virtual airline?
Real callsigns are one or two words that are short, distinct and easy to understand over a poor radio, such as "Speedbird" or "Southern Cross". Pick one that sounds different from other callsigns your pilots may share airspace with, avoid anything that rhymes with a common word, and say it aloud a few times. If you fly on an online network, check its rules on virtual airline callsigns first.
Can I use a real airline's name for my virtual airline?
Some virtual airlines are built around a real airline, but the name and logo belong to that airline, and this tool doesn't generate real names. This is general information, not legal advice. Check whether the airline has a policy on virtual airlines, ask before you start, and say clearly that you aren't affiliated. The simplest route is a clearly fictional name, which you own outright.
What should I do after naming my virtual airline?
Check that the name and code are free, then get a domain, set up a crew system, build a starter route network and rank ladder, and connect an ACARS client so flights are recorded. Our guide to starting a virtual airline covers each step in order.
Stratos by Skyvex Software
Bring Stratos
to your airline.
Free for every pilot, and it works with phpVMS or your own backend. We onboard each airline personally and make sure it works with your setup before you go live.