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?).

Thank you for your time.

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?

I'm glad someone else picked up the LCC hints to this! Wake is actually not a bad name for both the reasons you stated and its short and punchy, good simple names that you see a lot of these small LCC/charter airlines using.

One of the key areas I've been thinking of differentiating the airline is by flying to destinations off the trunk routes, places where tourism is trying to be promoted and/or airport fees are cheap(er). Plus airports like Norfolk Island are interesting to fly into as their small short runways on islands that can be easy to miss if you don't navigate properly.

I am glad you found my suggested name suitable and a possible candidate. The logo looks very good, and I especially like the way it can be interpreted into many things. I also agree with you that the airline should operate to a different type of destination, and I also think the shorter and more challenging runways will be more appealing to prospective pilots. I am looking forward to seeing this idea become reality and remember, if you need any administers, etc., I am always available.

Palm air maybe?

Due to popular request here's a PMDG 737-800NGX Winglet version of the WIP livery. There's been some interesting name suggestions so far but I'm still open to them.







The NGX required a slightly altered livery to the Airbus X to better suit the airframe and also slightly adjusted the aspect ratio of the tail logo.

The airline probably will end up having both 737s and A320s so pilots can fly that which they prefer.

Seeing as its Oz maybe Roo Air (As in a Kangaroo) or Koala Air?

Alright it's been almost a month since my last update here but now I have something to show; the livery on the PMDG NGX 737-800WL now with 'reach' titles, aircraft type and registration decals. This repaint is pretty much finished now in my opinion other than a few possible slight adjustments.

It's a simple but clean livery which is what I was after to reflect an LCC correctly. Whilst doing this I also had the idea of a special livery with whole fuselage green and white titles which I may or may not do.

Feedback is most welcome.

Yeah, I've been thinking about having some turboprops under the connect brand for the prop flights. They'd be ideal for flights from Brisbane to the sunshine and gold coasts as well.

Alright it's been a month since my last post. I've been busy with my University studies and as such haven't had terribly that much time to post updates. That said, there has been progress.

Most notable of all is that the VA now has a website; http://www.reachva.com

I'm still working on the website layout and design so it is very much a WIP at this stage. Many of the pages still need filling out but technically the airline is operational to a degree now.

I've also finalised my two PMDG skins for the 737-700 and 737-800 models and have now completed a repaint and extensive modification of the POSKY 738 model (including Alrots upgraded default 737 VC, better FDE, FMC, etc). Working on the -700 series before I'll be uploading these models and liveries to the site. Here is a screen of the POSKY 738;



And just for fun, here is the PMDG 737-700 which I did in a special inverted colours/all green livery;