From flying for Skylines in 2008 to leading its return in 2026, Adam Reed shares the story of a virtual airline that has brought old friends together and introduced a new generation of pilots to its virtual skies.
There are plenty of virtual airlines operating within the flight simulation community, each offering something a little different, whether that’s a particular fleet, route network or approach to virtual airline operations. Some have been around for years, while others are relatively new. Every so often, though, we come across one with a story that goes a little further than aircraft and destinations.
Originally established in 2008 and based at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Skylines operated a fleet that included Boeing 737s and 757s, with much of its flying taking place on the IVAO network. This was a very different era of flight simulation, long before the visual detail and sophisticated aircraft systems we enjoy today, but the enthusiasm for flying and the communities built around it were every bit as strong.
Among the original Skylines pilots was Adam Reed, who flew with the airline between 2008 and 2011. Like many virtual airlines of the time, Skylines eventually ceased operations around 2011, but the memories of flying with the airline and the people involved stayed with him.
Fast forward to early 2026 and Adam, now CEO of the relaunched Skylines Virtual, found himself thinking about those earlier years and wondering whether the airline could make a return. “I’d actually been thinking about the old Skylines for quite some time. I had such fond memories of flying for the airline back in 2008 and often wondered what it might look like today.”
By February, Adam had started putting together ideas for a relaunch, but he wasn’t interested in simply bringing back the Skylines name and creating another virtual airline. He wanted to preserve the character of the original operation and, importantly, reconnect with some of the people who had helped make it what it was.
Through Facebook and contacts within the flight simulation community, Adam managed to track down members of the original management team, including former CEO Ben, who was delighted to hear about the proposed return. Several members of the original team subsequently agreed to get involved, giving the relaunch a genuine connection to the airline’s history.
For Adam, having familiar faces involved again has made the project particularly special. Rather than recreating something from the past, the team now has an opportunity to continue a story that began almost 18 years ago.
The first official flight of the new Skylines took place on 28 June 2026, shortly before the airline’s full relaunch in July. Operating from Birmingham to Geneva, Boeing 737-800 G-SKLA became the first aircraft to carry the familiar Skylines colours into the airline’s new chapter. “I remember feeling genuinely delighted seeing the familiar Skylines livery back in the air after almost 15 years. What had been a fond memory for so long was suddenly a functioning airline again.”
Since returning, Skylines has established operations from Liverpool and Birmingham, adding Edinburgh as a third UK base in September. Its fleet includes the Boeing 737-800, 737 MAX 8, Airbus A319 and A320, operating domestic, European and leisure routes in the airline’s own liveries.
Although the aircraft and technology have changed considerably since 2008, Adam is determined that the philosophy behind Skylines should remain familiar. The team has deliberately avoided the temptation to offer an enormous selection of unrelated aircraft and routes, preferring to create something that resembles a believable British airline operation. “We’ve never wanted to be a ‘fly anything, everywhere’ virtual airline. There’s nothing wrong with that approach, but it’s simply not us. Every aircraft, route and base we introduce needs to make operational sense.”
It’s an approach that gives Skylines a clear identity, with a recognisable fleet, structured schedules and a route network designed around the airline’s chosen operations rather than simply offering every possible destination.
One of the things that caught our attention when Adam first contacted AvGeekHangar was the work Skylines has been doing behind the scenes to develop its own technology. The airline currently uses vAMSYS for flight tracking, but has also developed an integrated Crew Room accessible through its website. Pilots can search routes, book flights, generate SimBrief operational flight plans, access operational resources and pre-file their flights with VATSIM.
The team has also created an automated Discord dispatch system that provides pilots with dedicated flight channels containing information such as weather, departure and arrival procedures, operational notices and flight planning details. It’s an interesting example of how far the virtual airline experience has developed since the days when many of us were flying with FS2004 and FSX.
Adam’s longer-term ambition is to build a fully independent Skylines platform, including its own flight tracking system, bringing more of the airline’s operations together under one roof.
Of course, none of this would mean very much without the pilots themselves, and the response since the relaunch has been encouraging. During September alone, Skylines recorded 182 completed flights, representing 401 flying hours and 118,001 nautical miles. Pilots have also been taking part in group flights and community events, with the SKYLARK callsign once again appearing on online networks.
Despite the emphasis on realistic operations, Adam is keen to make clear that Skylines isn’t exclusively for experienced flight simmers. New pilots are welcome, with the opportunity to explore the airline’s routes, progress through its ranking system and learn from other members through its Discord community. Flying on VATSIM is entirely optional, allowing those who are still developing their confidence to participate without feeling pressured into online flying. “Ultimately, we want Skylines to feel like a community you belong to, not just somewhere you log flights.”
That sentiment is one we particularly appreciate at AvGeekHangar. Virtual airlines can offer far more than a flight schedule and a livery download. For many people, they’re an opportunity to meet others who share the same interests, develop their flying skills and become part of a community that extends well beyond the simulator.
Skylines isn’t standing still following its relaunch. On 1 November 2026, the airline plans to introduce four Boeing 757-200s alongside the opening of its fourth UK base at London Heathrow.
The arrival of the 757 is particularly significant because the aircraft formed part of the original Skylines fleet back in 2008. For Adam and some of the returning team, it represents another connection between the original airline and the operation they’re building today.
The team has even developed a fictional operational backstory for the new aircraft, with Skylines acquiring four former New Pacific Airlines 757s that are being repainted in the United States. The intention is for pilots to participate in ferry flights bringing the aircraft to their new UK bases, adding another layer of realism and involvement to the expansion.
Beyond the additional aircraft and routes, work will continue on the airline’s technology, operational systems and community activities. However, Adam is clear that his ambitions aren’t measured simply by how many pilots Skylines can recruit or how large its fleet becomes. “I’ve never wanted Skylines to be the biggest virtual airline. I’d much rather have a smaller, active community of pilots who genuinely enjoy being here.”
It’s a refreshing approach, particularly when so much of the online world seems focused on growth, numbers and being the biggest at everything.
For Adam, success over the next 12 months will mean continuing to develop Skylines without losing the identity and community spirit that made him want to bring it back in the first place. What started as a few fond memories of flying for a virtual airline in 2008 has now become a project involving old friends, new pilots and a considerable amount of work behind the scenes. The technology might be almost unrecognisable compared with the original Skylines operation, but the enjoyment of flying together and being part of something remains much the same.
And perhaps that’s the nicest part of this story. Nearly 15 years after Skylines disappeared from the virtual skies, some of the people who helped make it special the first time around are back together, doing it all again.
Interested in flying with Skylines Virtual?
Whether you’re an experienced virtual airline pilot or someone considering joining your first VA, you can find out more about Skylines, its fleet, routes and community at www.skylinesvirtual.com.
