OUR STORY
Before you know where you're going, you've got to know where you come from.
VA ORIGINS
Air France-KLM Virtual was founded by Stryder as Air France Virtual Airline in January 2017 alongside Cameron Renwick and Nabil Nohra.
Upon its launch. the VA found early success in recruiting new pilots.
In February 2017, Cameron succeeded Stryder as president of Air France VA. Under his leadership, the VA continued its growth and quickly surpassed 50 active pilots. During this time, Cameron also reorganized the staff team to make it more efficient and organized.
In May 2017, Avon became Air France KLM Group's third president. Under his leadership, Air France VA underwent immense changes and became one of the most active VAs in Infinite Flight.
Upon its launch. the VA found early success in recruiting new pilots.
In February 2017, Cameron succeeded Stryder as president of Air France VA. Under his leadership, the VA continued its growth and quickly surpassed 50 active pilots. During this time, Cameron also reorganized the staff team to make it more efficient and organized.
In May 2017, Avon became Air France KLM Group's third president. Under his leadership, Air France VA underwent immense changes and became one of the most active VAs in Infinite Flight.
AIR FRANCE-KLM VIRTUAL GROUP ESTABLISHED
In the Summer of 2017, KLM Virtual Airlines became available. Avon seized the opportunity to orchestrate a merger between AFVA and KLMVA and, upon receiving IFVARB certification, successfully brought two of the world’s most illustrious airlines together under a singular name, vision, and leadership.
In June 2017, Kenny took the helm as president of AFKLM Virtual Group and ensured the VA's forward momentum. Kenny's tenure produced a new and improved IFC Thread among other projects.
In June 2017, Kenny took the helm as president of AFKLM Virtual Group and ensured the VA's forward momentum. Kenny's tenure produced a new and improved IFC Thread among other projects.
Winner of "2017 Best Overall Virtual Airline.”
SKYTRAX IF VIRTUAL
In October 2017, former Deputy President Luke – also known as the Carrot – assumed the role of president. Luke oversaw one of the longest periods of growth for the VA, and in the process AFKLM Virtual Group was voted “Best Virtual Airline” by SkyTraxxIF Virtual in December of 2017.
Sam Jacobs became the 6th president of AFKLM Virtual Group in April 2018 and introduced the innovative AFKLM Career Mode flight system to complement AFKLM’s Classic flight mode.
Sam Jacobs became the 6th president of AFKLM Virtual Group in April 2018 and introduced the innovative AFKLM Career Mode flight system to complement AFKLM’s Classic flight mode.
A NEW ERA
In July 2018, Omar D. took the helm of AFKLM Virtual Group. Under his leadership, AFKLM Virtual Group entered into a partnership with Delta Virtual to establish the SkyTeamIF Alliance, bringing together two of Infinite Flight’s largest VAs. Aeroflot VA, Alitalia VA, Aeromexico VA, Saudia VA, and Korean Air VA have since joined the alliance, which offers pilots added value and benefits including special events, extended route networks, and sharing of intellectual property.
As president, Omar ushered in a new era for AFKLM Virtual Group anchored on a three-tiered platform to clean up internal operations, improve pilot standards, and enhance relationships with external VAs and VOs in the Infinite Flight Community.
Alongside a talented and experienced team of VA veterans and seasoned professionals, including Emil [Deputy President] and Alexis B [Chief Operating Officer], Omar initiated a massive transformation plan aimed at cementing Air France-KLM Virtual Group’s position as Europe’s premier virtual airline on Infinite Flight.
As president, Omar ushered in a new era for AFKLM Virtual Group anchored on a three-tiered platform to clean up internal operations, improve pilot standards, and enhance relationships with external VAs and VOs in the Infinite Flight Community.
Alongside a talented and experienced team of VA veterans and seasoned professionals, including Emil [Deputy President] and Alexis B [Chief Operating Officer], Omar initiated a massive transformation plan aimed at cementing Air France-KLM Virtual Group’s position as Europe’s premier virtual airline on Infinite Flight.
"Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not.”
- SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY
Since he took office, Air France KLM Virtual group has enacted new pilot standards to improve the quality of airmanship of AFKLM Airmen, implemented an entrance exam to test pilot knowledge, introduced a new route table featuring 100% of real world routes operated by AFKLM Virtual Group and a new automated PIREP system, launched AFKLM ATC Operations, and continued the VA’s tradition of organizing world-class events, including the flagship Destination Saturdays event series, alongside Martinair Mondays, and Transavia Tuesdays, as well as new classics, such as AFKLM After Dark Fridays and Air Hop! Wednesdays.
In May 2019, AFKLM Virtual Group launched a new website to align the VA’s digital presence with its present day brand and ethos. Among the other enhancements to AFKLM Virtual Group’s digital footprint include a tremendous growth to the VA’s Instagram account @afklm_virtual, which has surpassed 1500 followers and continues to grow daily thanks to a dedicated staff team of digital marketers.
In May 2019, AFKLM Virtual Group launched a new website to align the VA’s digital presence with its present day brand and ethos. Among the other enhancements to AFKLM Virtual Group’s digital footprint include a tremendous growth to the VA’s Instagram account @afklm_virtual, which has surpassed 1500 followers and continues to grow daily thanks to a dedicated staff team of digital marketers.
YESTERDAY IS GONE FOREVER. TOMORROW IS YET TO BE.
Quality, not quantity is what drives AFKLM Virtual Group of the future. As such, major projects planned for 2019 include the launch of a new AFKLM Academy and pilot handbooks to provide AFKLM Airmen with knowledge, tools, and resources. A new Ghosting policy has been enacted to ensure that any pilot donning the AFKLM callsign represents the best caliber of what Infinite Flight’s virtual airline community at all times.
Under its current leadership, AFKLM Virtual Group is experiencing its longest period of stability and growth in VA history. Active pilots count near 300, approximately 20 to 30 flights are logged daily, and activity on Slack – our primary source of VA communication – is at an all-time high.
We remain committed to aiming for the future – and ensuring that it remains bright for AFKLM Virtual. New pilots, fresh ideas, and a passion for aviation are the lifeblood of the VA and we celebrate them as such. If you decide to join us, get ready to have fun, get involved, and help write the glorious story of AFKLM Virtual Group!
Welcome home.
Under its current leadership, AFKLM Virtual Group is experiencing its longest period of stability and growth in VA history. Active pilots count near 300, approximately 20 to 30 flights are logged daily, and activity on Slack – our primary source of VA communication – is at an all-time high.
We remain committed to aiming for the future – and ensuring that it remains bright for AFKLM Virtual. New pilots, fresh ideas, and a passion for aviation are the lifeblood of the VA and we celebrate them as such. If you decide to join us, get ready to have fun, get involved, and help write the glorious story of AFKLM Virtual Group!
Welcome home.