In my relentless quest for the truth I sent the following email message to Delta and British Airways.  (I sent a different one to MS but accidentally erased it.)  I was willing to provide my name and email address but not my street address and phone number. American and Continental demanded too much personal information, and Southwest does not accept email. (!)  So the sample was (not very scientifically) limited to MS, Delta and BA.

"Fans of the Microsoft (computer) Flight Simulator series are curious why no "real life" airlines appear in the simulation.

Would this not provide an excellent advertising opportunity?"


Instant and only response from Microsoft:

"We want to personally thank you for submitting Microsoft your suggestion.

When you contact Microsoft through this web site, your submission is reviewed by a person on the "Wish" team and then routed to the group that can best use your comment to improve our products or services. Because of the volume this web site receives we can't guarantee that you will receive a personal response, but rest assured that your submission was received, reviewed, and routed.

Microsoft is committed to listening to our customers and improving our products and services based upon your wishes. When it is time for the appropriate group to begin planning for a new product or service, or an updated version of an existing product or service, your suggestion will be reviewed by the department that implements those changes.

Although we are unable to reply individually to each suggestion we receive, we appreciate your thoughts and opinions."


Instant response from Delta:

"Thank you for your questions and comments. As a valued customer, your input is most appreciated and we will make every effort to ensure a quick response."

Follow up response from Delta:

"Dear Mr. Webb,

Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines.

Send your marketing proposal in writing via mail to:

Katherine Lu
Director - Marketing Strategy
Delta Air Lines
Dept. 793
1030 Delta Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30320

Please allow two to three weeks for a response.

We appreciate your interest in Delta's Web site.

Sincerely,

Heather Johnson
Online Customer Care"

Instant response from British Airways (very nice):

"Thank you, Mr Webb, for using our Email Center. A British Airways customer service representative will respond to you as soon as we are able to."

Follow up response from British Airways:

"Dear Mr Webb,

With regards to your query, may I please advise you to call your local
sales office or general enquiries department for further assistance to
your queries. The numbers can be found on ba.com at:

http://www.britishairways.com/inside/wrldwide/contact/docs/rs1.shtml ;  

Thank you for contacting us.   

Shanon
British Airways"

In my opinion it is best to just let it rest.  Because if real airlines started to get involved, I would think the price would go up on the game because Microsoft would have to pay royalties for the use of airline names and logos.  Airlines are not going to just allow their name to be used without making some sort of profit.  Although, Captain Sim and other for profit individuals are creating aircraft using real airlines.  I don't know how they get past it.  I think it is just better off that Microsoft continues to use America Pacific, Landmark and the rest.
There is a good thing going, airlines are not complaining and neither are the simmers.  Lets just keep a good thing going....

My opinion: Definitely an issue to leave alone. 'Hornet's nest' is a good word
Who cares anyway - the 1st thing people do is repaint the default aircraft which stimulates our whole hobby & makes everything better. Thanks goodness the defauilt aircraft do not represent real airlines

Let it lie bud its not worth the hassle! this is probarbly the reason Concorde was left out of FS2002 because ether BA or Air France wanted to much green to allow ists use of theither the aircaft of its liverys (im sure this has been metioned before) but seruiosly stick to free re-paints as they are usually much better than what MS would produce anyway.

Matt