VA advice

[HighFlyerPL185]

Hello there,

I am just about to start a european low-cost virtual airline that I've been working on with my friend who painted the fleet for about a month or two. However, our sponsor has turned out, claiming that he's simply not interested anymore. So we're a flying double now. My question is mainly how to attract people onto management opportunities such as PMDG instructors, marketing or HR directors. And is there any possibility of finding solid crew before the airline opens up? The trouble is, we want to make the best impression out there, and as we know, first impressions last, so quite frankly, we're not ready to open up yet. Besides, we don't know anyone from our "circles" that could join the airline, as instructors or directors of any sort - most of people I know don't play FSX. How could I advertise the airline for staff to join before it opens doors? I know may sound a little bit odd at first, but I guess a good team to start off with is the key to success.

Another question is a host-based question. Is it better to go for a fivedev promotion (correct me if I'm wrong, but 12 months seems cheaper on the booking form than 1 or 3, which is a hell of a bargain!) and take the 12 months, or instead take 3 months, in case the airline fails? I have good belief in the success of it, but so far, we're a double, and I'm simply afraid that they're might not be enough support from the community.

[freshJet]

To get a fictional European VA going you'll need a miracle and a lot of money. If you're planning on a real-world based airline then you'll probably get more interest. But of course it all depends on how good it is too.

Europe is too crowded with VAs

[chris2]

Hi,

I think the answer is to have lots and lots of advertisment in networks such as VATSIM (best for europe.) Post in the.net forums of the devision advertising the va, run regular events, have your own coustom skin for website and lots of info for the website.

chris

[freshJet]

Hi,

I think the answer is to have lots and lots of advertisment in networks such as VATSIM (best for europe.) Post in the.net forums of the devision advertising the va, run regular events, have your own coustom skin for website and lots of info for the website.

chris

And have a working site

[chris2]

The site does work, but the host is upgrading the sql server, that is why the website is not working at the mo

[GentleGroove]

Hello there,

I am just about to start a european low-cost virtual airline that I've been working on with my friend who painted the fleet for about a month or two. However, our sponsor has turned out, claiming that he's simply not interested anymore. So we're a flying double now. My question is mainly how to attract people onto management opportunities such as PMDG instructors, marketing or HR directors. And is there any possibility of finding solid crew before the airline opens up? The trouble is, we want to make the best impression out there, and as we know, first impressions last, so quite frankly, we're not ready to open up yet. Besides, we don't know anyone from our "circles" that could join the airline, as instructors or directors of any sort - most of people I know don't play FSX. How could I advertise the airline for staff to join before it opens doors? I know may sound a little bit odd at first, but I guess a good team to start off with is the key to success.

Another question is a host-based question. Is it better to go for a fivedev promotion (correct me if I'm wrong, but 12 months seems cheaper on the booking form than 1 or 3, which is a hell of a bargain!) and take the 12 months, or instead take 3 months, in case the airline fails? I have good belief in the success of it, but so far, we're a double, and I'm simply afraid that they're might not be enough support from the community.

Hi

I understand your intentions on the staff. My simple advice is - don't. Hiring "direct entry" staff is something that most of the times does not work well. You will find that most people who apply seem enthusiastic and friendly, but in practical terms, most of them will not correspond in terms of work. What's worse, you may end up with people who do not follow your ideas or steal work from you. Don't get me wrong, most of them do not have bad intentions, but it is very very rare that you end up with staff members who perform according to your expectations in such cases.

I know this phase of setting up the VA is huge work, but if you can pull it through, the best option is to do it yourselves. For other staff, my advice is to wait until you have pilots who are interested and active, and then you may consider inviting them. They will feel appreciated and you will have the advantage of knowing them. What's more, they will know the airline well from inside and that is very good.

As for the promotion, wait until everything (site and contents) is finished, tested and ready to operate. Many aspiring VA owners fail to understand this and publicize sites that aren't finished or - worse - even started, and that is a big mistake, as it will turn many pilots away. The key is being patient and paying attention to every little detail.

As for the fictional / real VA debate, I think you have nothing to lose and it certainly is not a disadvantage being fictional. To start, you won't have to worry with permissions / copyright issues from the real airline and also that there may be 3 / 4 other versions of the same airline out there. What's more, with a fictional VA you are free to build a fleet / route network with variety to suit your tastes and not just be "chained" to a real-world counterpart that limits what you can do. Some "real" VA owners people go around this by creating ficticious schedules / operations that do not exist. That to me is pointless - why bother with copying a real airline if deep down you are not happy with its operations??? Better go fictional and really suit your tastes, just my opinion.

Good luck with your VA

Cheers