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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.
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.


[[Image:virtualairlines.jpg|thumb|430px|The logos of most of the currently existing Virtual Airlines operating in FlightGear.]]
==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.


==Virtual Airlines in FlightGear==
==Common elements==
Currently, some number of virtual airlines exist, with airlines made of various experiences, fleets and operations. Here is a list of some of the known virtual airlines to have existed.
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


===Current Flightgear Virtual Airlines===
==Current Flightgear Virtual Airlines==
These are the current virtual airlines in operation. Major Virtual Airlines include (In order of start announcement):
Currently, some number of virtual airlines exist, with airlines made of various experiences, fleets and operations. Here is a list of some of the known virtual airlines to have existed:


* Air H5
* [[Ares Virtual Airlines]]
* [[Atlas Virtual Airlines]]
* Delta Virtual Airlines
* [[Star Alliance]]
* [http://transgear.treborlogic.com TransGear Airways]
* [http://transgear.treborlogic.com TransGear Airways]
===Current Alliances===
Alliances point to groups of airlines working with each other in joint operations. Currently, the following are active:
* [[Star Alliance]]
* [[Star Alliance]]
*[[Atlas Virtual Airlines]]
* Transgear Airways and Atlas (considered "sister VA's" and work in symbiosis)


===Current Flightgear Flying Clubs===
===Current Flightgear Flying Clubs===
[http://flightgearfans.wordpress.com/]
* [http://flightgearfans.wordpress.com/ FlightGear Flying Club]
===Flightgear Virtual Airline Merger Program===
 
[[Atlas Virtual Airlines]] was borne out of the concept that a VA merger could elminate underpopulation and help consolidate the number of virtual airlines into one, unified VA. In early April 2010, Atlas Virtual, after months of planning, went live to the public. Thus, the number of virtual airlines was substantially reduced, leaving the number of active VAs at 3. As of April 2010, these include Transgear Airways, Star Alliance, and Atlas.  
==Former Virtual Airlines==
==Merged Airlines==
Before the merger of most virtual airlines into Atlas and gradual declines of airlines following that event, several independent virtual airlines were active. These airlines, as well as airlines proposed but never actually created include the following:
*[[Japan Pacific Airlines]]
[[Image:virtualairlines.jpg|thumb|430px|Logo of most virtual airlines as of February 2010.]]
*Coastal Air Systems
*Skynet International Airlines
*[[Europe Airlines]]


===Current Alliances===
===Airlines Merged into Atlas Virtual===
* [[Star Alliance]]
* [[Japan Pacific Airlines]]
* Skynet International Airlines


*Transgear Airways and Atlas are considered "sister VAs", and work side by side during events. Plans call for a combined TGA-AVA event, and at the moment, each airline helps the other.
===Defunct Airlines===
* AirLink
* Air San Francisco
* Americair
* Coastal Air Systems
* Detra Virtual Airlines
* Euroair (Aurelen Virtual)
* [[Europe Airlines]]
* Gisi Airlines


===Proposed Airlines===
===Proposed Airlines===
These are the airlines proposed but not seen actual operations as of today.
* Sandy Oceania Airlines
* Sandy Oceania Airlines
* Triangle Airlines
* Triangle Airlines
==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
----


==Controversies==
==Controversies==
===Copyright Issues===
===Copyright Issues===
When a virtual airline is created in the image of a real world airline legal issues can arise out of copyright violations. In 2003, a real world airline, Qantas Airways Ltd, announced a new low-cost carrier by the name of Jetstar Airways. However, a virtual airline named Jetstar International Airlines already existed, complete with a web site. As part of their startup promotion, Qantas sold 100,000 airline tickets at a discount price, and the virtual airline's web site was swamped with would-be customers, job-seekers, and prospective vendors. The virtual airline sued Qantas, claiming that Qantas stole the virtual airline's livery and trademark.
When a virtual airline is created in the image of a real world airline legal issues can arise out of copyright violations. In 2003, a real world airline, Qantas Airways Ltd., announced a new low-cost carrier by the name of Jetstar Airways. However, a virtual airline named Jetstar International Airlines already existed, complete with a web site. As part of their startup promotion, Qantas sold 100,000 airline tickets at a discount price, and the virtual airline's web site was swamped with would-be customers, job-seekers, and prospective vendors. The virtual airline sued Qantas, claiming that Qantas stole the virtual airline's livery and trademark.
 
If you wish to create a virtual airline- Which Flightgear would be eager for you to do, Please do not base it on real life airlines to save copyright issues!
* If you wish to create a virtual airline- Which Flightgear would be eager for you to do, Please do not base it on real life airlines to save copyright issues!


===Association with terrorism===
===Association with terrorism===
Alphamedia
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