AirWeGo and Vertigo Upgrade to FSX
In a release dated, December 22, 2008, U.K.-based AirWeGo Virtual Aviation Group shared how massive amounts of time and energy have been directed at upgrading Vertigo, a division of AirWeGo dedicated to creating and reproducing real-world operations within Mircosoft Flight Simulator, to FSX standards. Helicopters were first introduced to the Flight Simulator community in FS98, and since, AirWeGo’s operations have steadily grown in: popularity, flight model complexity and realism. ”A wide variety of missions and scenery have been created over the last eight years.” said the release, “covering the globe with scenarios ranging from VIP Transport, Oil Field Construction through to Expedition Logistics.”
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California Express Re-Birth Rises from Shelved Merger Talks
Amidst talks of a merger that would have seen Air Fresno and Pacific Coast Cargo converge and consolidate their fleets to form a cargo-only operation, Air Fresno C.E.O., Peter McKay, and Pacific Coast Cargo C.E.O., John King, have instead decided to redevelop California Express, a venture sparked when Air Fresno closed in 2006. California Express will begin operations early next year utilizing the Boeing 737-300 aircraft incorporating upwards of twenty-five unique liveries.
Original plans called for a flight schedule based on real world flight times supplied by Southwest Airlines, and operating from San Diego (18 routes), Los Angeles (18 routes), San Jose (12 routes), San Francisco (6 routes), Orange County (6 routes), and Ontario (6 routes). Jet service through Fresno will not be scheduled, instead Air Fresno will be a feeder through one of those hubs. Continue reading
Eagle Wings Virtual Spots Late December Launch
Virtual airline newcomer, Eagle Wings Virtual (www.eaglewingsvirtual.com) is looking for a late December 2008 launch for its proposed passenger service serving the Eastern European market. Under development since Fall 2008, Eagle Wings Virtual is looking to join the ever-changing landscape of the virtual airline marketplace. Their goal is to differentiate their airline from other virtual airlines by providing their pilots the opportunity to grow as the airline grows.
Eagle Wings C.E.O. Ivan Ozvatic shared details about the new organization saying, “current plans call for a hub in Zagreb, [Croatia] (LDZA) with a fleet of turboprops, medium and large jets in passenger configuration.” He went on to say, “our ultimate goal here at Eagle Wings Virtual Airline is to provide the pilot with an organized, fun, and professional atmosphere where they can truly enjoy the pleasure of being an airline pilot in a growing community.” Continue reading
vaBase Overhauled: New Look and New Price
PIREP system and virtual airline management software provider vaBase (www.vabase.com) has decided to revamp its website in an effort to reinvigorate its web presence. Created by a group of skilled developers who recognized a need for affordable, customizable and highly professional, automated scripts for virtual airlines, vaBase has also recently reworked its price-point making the cutting-edge software system more affordable than ever before. Prices for vaBase have dropped to just £19.99 / $29.99 for the full system. Currently on release is vaBase v2.0 Deluxe, packed full of smart accessories to compliment a VA including ACARS scripts, fully automated PIREP system, flight planning software and more.
Myles Knight, when talking about the new v2.0 release said, “We have now also included vaBase flight planner into the package at no extra cost giving [the consumers] the opportunity to build a feature rich virtual airline at minimal cost.” He went on to say, “[this enables the consumer] to keep up with today’s competition! We have also taken the approach of building a one-stop-shop for VA entrepreneurs with our new design service.” Continue reading
City Flyer Launches Lausa Air Regional Service
Following a major reorganization of its main division, London Aviators USA’s virtual airline, Lausa Air, announced the establishment of a regional feeder service intended to supplement its domestic and international long-haul service. From its Orlando, Florida hub, and utilizing the DeHavilland Dash-8 and Canadair CRJ-700 aircraft, City Flyer is now the entry point for new pilots to integrate into the existing Lausa Air system. After completing 20 hours with City Flyer, pilots will have the option to transfer into Lausa Air but City Flyer management hopes some pilots will want to remain with the regional operation. Newly appointed City Flyer C.E.O. Chris Hattaway will run the new division. Interested pilots should check out Lausa Air’s website at: londonaviatorusa.page.tl for more information.
Birmingham Virtual Airport Debuts New Website
Birmingham Virtual Airport has recently unveiled its new website, www.flybva.co.uk, allowing members and guests easier access to BVA support, service, and information. BVA has also launched its dedicated 24/7 Gamespy server which will allows its members to join a session any time of the day, from any place in the world. With over 180 members worldwide, and an average of 10 new members a month, BVA now offers its members a 24/7 game server to compliment its Teamspeak server providing air traffic control, a flight school, FSX upgrades and enhancements, a virtual airline and much more. Partnering with Wings Over Holland, BVA is on-track to becoming one of the leading full-service on-line communities in the world of FSX. Interested pilots should visit BVA’s new website for more information.
Aloha ‘Oe: The Hawaii Express Bows Out of the Hawaiian Air Travel Market
In an unexpected turn, Hawaii-based The Hawaii Express has decided to close its operations effective November 22, 2008. This announcement follows recent downsizing that saw the company return an Airbus Industrie A380 back to the leasing company. Recent membership drives had been slow to produce results and submitted pireps were at an all-time low. The airline operated a fleet of DC-9, DC-10, A330 and A340 aircraft. Peter McKay, C.E.O. of The Hawaii Express, has expressed his gratitude to all of those who have supported the company during its tenure. Sadly, by December 1, 2008 The Hawaii Express web pages will have been removed from the server and all traces of the airline deleted from the internet. At the time of press, email addresses associated with the virtual airline have already ceased operating.
The Hawaii Express was an innovator in the Hawaiian inter-island market maintaining two version of its operations– a historically accurate rendition and a contemporary adaptation, both proudly displaying the spirit of The Hawaii Express name. Continue reading
