March 2025 VA Update
Hello pilots,
In this month's news update we will some development updates, as well as some VA updates.
Development updates
We will shortly release a new version of VAS ACARS which will improve landing gear detection for most aircraft add-ons. This should improve scores for most pilots, please let us know if you experience any issues after upgrading to VAS ACARS 3.2.10.
As you may have noticed, the live flights map now has a globe projection which makes it much easier to see the great-circle route of a flight. This is also available on your pilot profile to more easily view your flown routes.
Airline updates
ITA Airways is expected to leave the VA and move to Star Alliance as part of the Lufthansa Group on June 1st 2025. Starting in April 2025, Sunwing will be fully integrated into Westjet airlines. All Sunwing aircraft and routes will be part of the larger Westjet network from that point forward.
Tour updates
We continue to work on updating our existing tours, and if you have tours that you would like to see do not hesitate to let us know!
The monthly tour takes you across Brazil. If you have any suggestions on tours you would like to see please let us know on Discord.
Closed airspaces
Current scheduled flight time durations may need to be amended due to longer flying times on account of closed airspace. We would recommend checking your route prior to departure especially if it crosses and known airspaces with known security warnings. A complete overview can be found here. If the great circle route of your flight crosses any airspace with known safety NOTAMs a notice is placed on your flight briefing page.
Please adhere to these closures when performing flights on the VA.
Event Updates
We are working on adding more events to our event calender. Please let us know via Discord what kind of events you would like to see! If you have other events on online platforms that you feel are a good match to include on the VA please let us know. To receive more frequent updates please subscribe to the Event Announcements notifications on our Discord server. Please check the Events page for more details, we hope to see you there!
Closing words
As always if you have any suggestions or questions do not hesitate to let us know.
We would also like to remind you we have a Discord server. To join it, use discord.gg/EAKR7Qe.