Contemplating new VA...

**raptorairlines** · 06-02-2012, 11:31 PM

Greetings all,

As you may have guessed from my username, I was originally the founder of Raptor Virtual Airlines based in Australia flying in FSX. That airline was founded in 2007 but closed early last year as the website hosting expired. Before then there had also been issues with operating clients which had caused a loss of pilots from 34 to 4. Just as I finally found a new stable system to use the funding went down and the airline was forced to close.

Since then I've been pondering starting again, though more likely than not under a new name which I have not been able to decide. Most likely the airline would fly a fleet of IAE engined A320s (Airbus X and Project Airbus models could be supported here) to holiday and charter destinations. The idea being that this carrier is not a traditional full service airline but a hybrid of the low cost (but not necessarily low fare) and charter airlines.

With the aircraft, some route examples (though not sure where to base it in Australia yet but either Melbourne or Brisbane could be good starting points), new knowledge in web design thanks to my university course and time available, I am curious if anyone would be interested in such a thing? I'm also asking to see if anyone believes I should re-start (again) Raptor Virtual Airlines or start afresh as (insert name here- Suggestions?).

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In addition to the above, this new VA will feature 'Connect', a regional VA and training school used to prepare pilots for flight simulator operations particularly in the online ATC environment through the use of 20-30 seat regional turboprops (aircraft not yet decided).

This division will be separate from the main airline but pilots can fly for both. Direct entry will be possible for either of the two divisions depending on pilot preference. Staff roles will be available soon once the details are worked out.

'Connect' will allow for our VA pilots to fly low and slow around the outback or up high at Flight Level 380 in the advanced technology Airbus.

Thank you for your time.

**CloverAirways** · 06-03-2012, 07:53 AM

Hey,

I've recently posted a thread here asking people what they'd like to see in a VA. I, along with 2 other friends experienced in development and Flight sim, are currently developing a VA that is based in and around Ireland and Europe. We'll be flying A320s, A318s, 738s and a regional ATR 72-200 (most of which are repainted already by myself).

I haven't officially opened staff recruitment, but then again, I might never open it as I may just find people I know that can help in some way. But I'd be delighted if you'd consider coming on board Clover Airways to help us with your experience. I quite like your ideas and feel we could use you.

Sorry for not really staying on topic, but I hope you consider it.

Thanks,
Joseph.

**raptorairlines** · 06-03-2012, 08:15 AM

Well it might be a possibility however I have no experience in operating in Europe other than a brief entry into that market with "Raptor Shuttle" in 2008 flying from Belfast to mostly holiday destinations.

On the other hand it might be of benefit to associate the two airlines to pool resources in an alliance style situation. Not sure how it could work considering as of yet I'm yet to re-acquire web hosting, the teamspeak server, phpvms and numerous other minor details required before I can consider re-commencing or starting afresh.

**CloverAirways** · 06-03-2012, 08:19 AM

An alliance would be good. Even better when we fly in different areas (could link flights, or something like that). I know a friend in the hosting industry that could get you cheap hosting and a good amount of space.

Let me know if you're interested.

**raptorairlines** · 06-03-2012, 08:24 AM

An alliance could prove quite good if we could have connecting flights but that would first require a common PIREP system most likely. In the past I used a number of them (Raptor Airlines started with VAFS until that went payware, then simfly.eu and finally phpvms). So far I have been pleased with the ease of customisation that phpvms provides and their hosting package for VAs also seems suitable.

Being an Australian airline, the distance could be a problem. Raptor Airlines never flew beyond a few Asian destinations when it was at its largest and the new VA will likely remain solely domestic until enough pilots are available to expand.

**CloverAirways** · 06-03-2012, 09:41 AM

Yeah, we're going to use phpvms as it seems the easiest one to use.

We don't plan to go too far east as we don't want to offer routes that won't be used. We'll most likely go as far east as Austria. I hope to have an emphasize on our regional flights, as it may bring more traffic to Ireland once we expand.

**raptorairlines** · 06-03-2012, 09:51 AM

Sounds like a good idea. Might actually be interesting to jointly develop a connector international airline flown by pilots of either airline using common equipment. That way we could have some form of connection as well as taking advantage of any alliance agreement.

**raptorairlines** · 06-04-2012, 03:44 AM

Alright I've been thinking further and Brisbane Intl seems like a good place to base what is intended to be a 'holiday' airline with its close proximity to Cairns, Townsvile, Rockhampton, Norfolk Island, Hamilton Island, etc. Still haven't decided between Airbus or Boeing NBs, both could be possible but not very realistic for an airline. Still not sure on an airline name but something associated with the Ocean or local culture in the area. I may not have a name but a logo is partially formed in my mind of a stylised conch shell with colours taking their inspiration from the Air Australia scheme perhaps.

What does everyone think?

**CloverAirways** · 06-04-2012, 07:22 AM

Sounds good. I can't help you too much with the development as I still have a lot more work to do on Clover Airways, not to mind my upcoming exams, so it will most likely continue development in July.