Welcome to Air21, a Virtual Airline.  

 

Air21 Virtual Airlines is a reproduction of the original that operated from December, 1995 until closing in January, 1997. The real world airline was created on the kitchen table of original CEO David Miller with help from David VanderLugt. Based in Fresno, California, Air 21 has a very interesting history.

 

Air 21 history on Wikipedia, and more from Airplane Geek about Air21.

 

The virtual airline uses the real-world schedule (generously donated by Bjorn Larrson) from late in Air21's operation, and the Project Fokker F28-4000 aircraft for Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2004 (FS9). These operations will provide those wishing to participate in Air21 Virtual Airlines with a pleasant, real world but decidedly low impact schedule with a very realistic and interesting aircraft.

 

Air21 Virtual Airlines is a hands-on operation, with a minimum of automation we bring the responsibility of flying back to the pilot. For promotion and advancement we require our pilots to participate in continuing education, simple things from proper taxi technique to foul weather approaches and landings. We're not an "everyone" airline, we hope we will be yours with the classic approach we do offer. Our offices have an open door policy, anything you would need to know or want to do feel free to contact the CEO directly. There won't be a delay in email processing, no computer generated reply. What you get is the human touch, as it should be.

 

But why Air21? Why THIS airline for a virtual airline?

 

Before Air21 the Fresno area had limited jet service. Many airlines like PSA and AirCal had come and gone, and for years you had to drive to either Los Angeles or the Bay Area for a flight out of California. There were only three jet departures a day from the Fresno Air Terminal up until the time that Air21 began operations. While it cannot be argued that Air21's business decision ultimately killed it, the impact it had on air travel in and out of the area was undeniable. In less than three years Fresno became a regular stop for Frontier, Delta and American and others. Air21 may not have made it to the 21st Century, but it's influence has.