Virtual PIA
About us
Mission Statement
Introduction
Welcome to Virtual Pakistan International Airlines! The first and only full fledged operating virtual airline based in Pakistan simulating Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Since VPIA’s formation in 2005 it has been serving virtually identical flights to Pakistani aviators and flight simulator enthusiasts with perfection, precision and dedication just like PIA! We strive to give members a platform to experience and explore what it is to be a PIA pilot on their desktops in their homes through the means of Microsoft Flight Simulator. From enthusiasts to real-world PIA pilots - our members come from around the world to VPIA to rediscover and experience the joys of commanding an aircraft with PIA “virtually”!
Virtual airlines are not a new concept - they have been around since the early nineties and serve as a community for aviation enthusiasts. For many who want to put themselves in control of an aircraft or those who cannot follow their dreams of becoming a pilot, virtual airlines provide a healthy outlet. Many enthusiasts take their past-time to the next level and fly following complex procedures, from checklists to SIDS and STARS. Real world pilots and trainee pilots also practice their skills with flight simulators and find the virtual airline community an attractive platform for their passion of aviation.
Our Standard
At VPIA we believe in quality rather than quantity, hence we recruit virtual pilots who admire, love and respect Pakistan, PIA and Pakistani Aviation in general. Our members also believe that Flight Simulator is as close to simulating flying as we can get - it is more than just a computer game, and must be enjoyed following strict professional standards.
In Flight Simulator the more precise and disciplined you are the closer you are to real-world flight operations. PIA has some of world’s best pilots, and making them our role models, we too strive for mature precision-based operations for VPIA.
Our aim is to replicate real-world PIA flight operations with pure accuracy but at the same time we want our pilots to enjoy their flights and for that, we consistently organise special events and competitions on various occasions for various ranks through out the year for our pilots to enjoy and have fun at VPIA. The pilot who completes certain specified conditions also earns a reward, usually in the form of a payware add-on aircraft, scenery or other package.
Virtual PIA is proud and honored to have received contributions in its various projects from - (in alphabetical order)
Mr. Abbas Ali
Sh. Abid
Mr. Ali Mujtaba
F/O Aroosh Naqvi
Asuspine
Captain Johnny Sadiq
Mr. Konstantin Von Wedelstaedt
Mr. M. H. Ansari
Mr. Moin J Abbasi
Mr. Saad Asad Cheema
Mr. Umair Ayaz
© F/O Aroosh Naqvi
© Mr. Imran Zulfqar
© Mr. Irfan Khan
© Mr. M. H. Ansari
© Mr. Moin J Abbasi
Our Mission
Virtual Pakistan International Airlines, with a highly dedicated staff and enthusiastic pilos, strives to offer an identical real-world flight operations of the respective airline. VPIA aims to:
maintain a replica of Pakistan International Airlines operations;
create an interactive online environment for PIA enthusiasts and flight simulator pilots alike;
set high standards in the world of simulation;
represent Pakistan in a postive manner on a world stage;
engage Pakistani aviation enthusiasts in a positive activity;
and contribute to social development activities.
Scope
Virtual Pakistan International Airlines has several benefits to offer their pilots such as awards and surprises in the event of winning the competitions and special events, rewards like badges are awarded to the winning pilot or the one who has maintained precision and accuracy in the flight controls and maneuvering constantly. Such pilots will be recognized as top best pilots of VPIA! These flyboys shall be gifted with pay ware sceneries, aeroplanes and PIA memorabilia and to name but a few. At VPIA no one is left behind! We recognise each one of our pilot as much as we recognise our staff members as a part of VPIA family and for every single event related to flight, performance, dedication, accuracy etc, or ranking promotion there is a (seal & signed) VPIA certificate to be granted to that pilot in relation to that event or promotion.
Our Innovation
VPIA is deeply rooted to its real sister PIA and the name reminds us of superior legacy that PIA carries on till the present day. PIA was one the best world class airliners in the world and during those days PIA achieved several awards for being the world’s first Asian airline to introduce jet aeroplane in its fleet, there are numerous awards and achievements PIA enjoyed during the golden days of its era. We at VPIA introduced the idea of virtually recreating PIA’s rich historical legacy which continues to amuse us, PIA runs in every Pakistani’s thought somewhere in the mind due to everlasting impression which it left on our great grand parents, grand parents and parents! To embark on the historic journey and for the first time fly the historic PIA schedules from the late 1950’s to 1980’s! No other virtual airline in the world has ever recreated the historical flights of its real sister airline, VPIA is proud to have innovated the idea of the heritage of PIA therefore VPIA brings to for the first time and one of its kind platform to relive the bygone days in form of VPIA Heritage. Additionally, VPIA also simulates operations of a fictional branch of PIA Cargo - Virtual SpeedEx.
Tthe VPIA story
Year 2005: Year of establishment and birth of VPIA, our founders Hashim Jabbar Memon, Anil Jabbar Memon and Ahmed Ahsen took the initiative to form, structure and operate VPIA, officially launching it on April 21st, 2005. In the same year, a website overhaul took place with enormous efforts put in by friends from KLM VA especially Mr. Michiel Wiegers. A new look for VPIA was relaunched on the national day of Pakistan, August 14th.
Year 2005 to 2008: VPIA witnessed smooth start and calm flight operations with numerous pilots registered as full time members. Hashim became the first VPIA member to become a real world pilot and opened a new chapter in the history and operation of VPIA. This was followed by the induction of Perry Green to the admin team, who played significant role in developing flight operations, recruiting new pilots, updating rosters, managing website and forums all by himself.
Year 2008 to 2010: While Perry Green maintained VPIA as backbone this could only last few years on single person. In late 2008, M. Salman, became a part of administration and injected the organization and its members with a fresh dose of enthusiasm. As Director of Corporate Planning, Salam brought forward many innovative ideas during this time. His biggest contribution by far was introducing Irfan Khan, his childhood friend, to VPIA. Irfan's interest in web-design and media development soon took over his newfound passion for VPIA. In 2010, VPIA admin member Ahmed Ahsen, reassumed position as Administrator of the virtual airline, and implemented several new changes.
Irfan Khan soon assumed an admin position as VPIA's web designer, and created an impressive looking new website in a matter of days. Irfan's role was expanded to oversee all website related matters including troubleshooting, flight logging, member assistance and graphics. Irfan was promoted to Director IT, and with M. Salman on leave due to personal commitments, he also took on the role of Human Resources Director. The teamwork of Perry, M. Salman and Irfan managed to turn around VPIA operations and sparked a renewed interest in the organization.
Under the direction of the Administrators, Irfan took on additional responsibilities, and to fill the important position of Chief Pilot Planning and Scheduling, one of VPIA's most dedicated and loyal members, Imran Zulfiqar was chosen. M. Salman's responsibilities, upon his leave, were taken over by Imran Zulfiqar. Imran came at a time when flight operations were in a crisis, and singlehandedly managed to turn around the department in minimal time. His work included the complete updation of VPIA schedules and fleet - one of the most essential for any virtual airline. With his endless passion and hard work, VPIA managed to once again fulfill its guarantee of 100% realism with PIA. Together, Imran, Irfan and Perry breathed a new life into the virtual airline and took it to new heights, making history in the world of Pakistan's flight simuation. They effectively managed to more than double the number of pilots, introduced several new flights and saw the smooth induction of several new aircraft to the fleet.
With help and guidance of renowned aircraft texture artists, such as Edward Cox and Umair Ayaz, Ahmed and Irfan started their own repaints, and managed to turn out the entire PIA fleet in a year's time. The work expanded to include repaints of virtuall all of PIA's active fleet.
As the years passed VPIA has, by the grace of God, become better and better. A major mileston was reached in the form of a Hajj event - a full two month operation, which is not simulated by any other virtual airline. At the same time, new standards were opted to be vigilant in terms of quality and precision with Imran, Irfan and Perry consistently working together to improve the experience for all members.
Come Fly With Us!
Virtual Pakistan International Airlines is as exiting as Pakistan International Airlines to work with, for Pakistani pilots serving other Virtual Airlines we heartily invite them to join their country’s national flag carrier’s virtual airline and we shall transfer their previous flying hours providing that they the prove the hours on their current VA. For new pilots we encourage them to refine their flying skills and what better way to fly for VPIA and earning rewards recognition and excellence rather than just wasting those hours flying blindly in Flight Simulator with no result in the end. So Come Fly with Us! Start your career now as VPIA pilot and see you at the flight deck. Virtual Pakistan International Airlines – The Wings of Pakistan!
Many thanks for taking the time to read this About Us statement, and if you do have any questions or comments please do get in touch. You can visit the "Contact Virtual PIA" web page for the contact details.
Ahmed Ahsen