Dear Virtual Airline Partners and Associates,
As we have closed out 2025 and welcome the start of 2026, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for your continued partnership and engagement within VATSIM’s Virtual Airline Partner (VAP) and Virtual Airline Associate (VAA) programs. Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to quality continue to play a vital role in strengthening the VATSIM network and the broader virtual aviation community.
Throughout the past year, we have continued to see stability and accountability across both programs. In 2025, the Virtual Airlines Department worked with 178 Virtual Airline Partners and 56 Virtual Airline Associates . Of these, 150 Partners successfully met all Partner requirements , and 43 Associates met all Associate requirements . Unfortunately, 23 Virtual Airlines did not meet program requirements or failed to respond to repeated communication from Audit Managers , resulting in the revocation of their partnership in accordance with policy. While these actions are never taken lightly, they are necessary to preserve the integrity and standards of the program.
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains on strengthening the partnership experience while continuing to emphasize consistency, fairness, and transparency. Key priorities for the year ahead include:
• Timely and Consistent Audits: Continued focus on completing Virtual Airline Partner and Associate audits efficiently and consistently, supported by our Audit Managers and Senior Audit Managers
• Improved Program Transparency: Following the completion of an audit, a report will be provided directly to the designated Virtual Airline Representative outlining the audit outcome and any applicable notes
• Policy Revisions: Both the Virtual Airline Partner and Virtual Airline Associate policies have been revised and are awaiting publication, with these updated policies expected to go live in 2026
• Community Engagement and Events: In 2026, we will work to expand Partner-led flight events within VATSIM, providing additional opportunities for Virtual Airlines to showcase their operations and engage the wider community
• Discord-Only Virtual Airlines: In 2026, we will formally implement support for Discord-Only Virtual Airlines within our programs. I would like to extend my sincere apologies to those Virtual Airlines that have been waiting for their Discord-based communities to be partnered. It was essential that we first ensure the appropriate policies and audit systems were in place. I am pleased to announce that in Q1–Q2 2026 , we will be moving forward with Discord-Only Virtual Airlines, supported by a refined and structured audit process designed specifically for Discord-based operations
As we transition into the new year, I encourage you to reflect on the progress made throughout 2025 and the partnerships that continue to strengthen our community. The success of the Virtual Airlines programs is built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing that journey together in 2026.
On behalf of the entire Virtual Airlines Department, including our Audit Managers and Senior Audit Managers, thank you for your continued support and trust. We look forward to another year of productive collaboration, transparency, and growth.
Best regards,
Joe Burner
Director; VATSIM Virtual Airlines Department