Virtual airlines are online communities of flight simulator enthusiasts who create a virtual representation of an airline, with varying levels of realism. They have organized management, fixed schedules, and members work their way up the ranks. Some virtual airlines are based on real-world airlines, while others are entirely made up. They offer multiplayer interactions and chat features, and some even hold conventions. People interested in joining can search for virtual airlines online to find membership rules and information.
A virtual airline is an organization of flying enthusiasts who come together to create a virtual representation of an airline, complete with staff from management to pilots. Some virtual airlines are based on real-world airlines, including popular and well-known commercial carriers. Others are entirely made up, developed from scratch by the founding members. The level of realism and complexity varies according to the organization, its members and its goals.
Virtual airlines are among the oldest online gaming communities. As more and more computer users began to access the Internet, numerous communities of people with similar interests began to arise. These included groups of flight simulator users exchanging advice, information and ideas on web forums. Some of these forums later developed into virtual airlines. In other cases, airlines have started from scratch to attract completely new users. New virtual airlines are constantly being founded, and some become codeshare partners with older, more established airlines, just like airlines in the real world.
Some features of a virtual airline include an organized management hierarchy, the use of a livery that users can apply to aircraft in their flight simulators, forums for meeting with other airline members, and fixed flight schedules. Virtual airlines can use the routes of an existing commercial airline or develop their own. Users can also engage in multiplayer interactions with each other to get closer to real-world experiences.
Members of a virtual airline usually have their own call signs and work their way up the ranks just like people who work for a real airline. Some virtual airlines enable chat features, allowing people to use voice or text chat to communicate while immersed in the game. Players can also meet in the real world for conventions and other events.
Like many other online communities, a virtual airline offers an area for interaction with people who have similar interests. People can immerse themselves deeply in the world created by the community, and some virtual airlines have even won awards for their realism, as well as recognition from the real-world airlines they are modeled after.
People interested in exploring virtual airlines can search for “virtual airline” in their favorite search engine to see a list of online communities. Membership rules vary by airline, and the site usually lists the flight simulators members use, membership standards, and other information people might find helpful.
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