About SunWest

SunWest 737-800

Who We Are

Thank you for taking the time to visit SunWest Virtual Airlines. So, who are we? First and foremost, SunWest is a virtual airline for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Lockheed Martin P3D. We are not affiliated with any real-world aviation companies or organizations, nor do we offer and sort of transportation services. We are a hobbyist group of flight simulator enthusiasts who enjoy attention-to-detail and simulating high-fidelity flight operations, modeled after a fictional FAR Part 121 airline based in the United States.

Anyone is welcome to join, so long as you own a copy of one of our supported flight simulators, as well as a supported aircraft add-on, and are willing to participate in the guidelines set forth in our Pilot Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a flight simulator? What is a virtual airline?

    A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and the environment in which it flies, in this case, for the sake of entertainment. Popular flight simulators, which are supported by SunWest, include: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D, X-Plane 11, or Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

    A virtual airline is an online organization which joins a community of like-minded enthusiasts together in one place, with the goal of creating a realistic and enjoyable experience.

  • What kind of aircraft does SunWest operate?

    SunWest operates a fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft. Support for the following add-on aircraft is availabe: PMDG NGXu, PMDG NGX. We are planning on offering support for the Zibo 737 in the near future.

  • What sort of rank system does SunWest use?

    SunWest differs from traditional virtual airlines in the way it uses ranks. While most virtual airlines award ranks based on hours attained, SunWest uses a more advanced system based on seniority, airline participation, and position availavility. Since the airline only operates one aircraft type, there is no limitation to what pilots can fly. Should SunWest ever introduce additional fleet types, however, pilots will be restricted to flying the type they were originally hired on, but will have the opportunity to switch types at semi-regular intervals.

  • Why does it say SunWest was founded in 1985? Doesn't that predate virtual airlines?

    Yes! SunWest, as a virtual airline organization, was founded in 2019. However, we have created a fictional history for the airline to give it added depth, as well as a more diverse operational portfolio.

  • Why should I choose SunWest?

    SunWest is the perfect choice for pilots who want an added level of depth to their virtual airline, and appreciate attention-to-detail. We strive to offer realistic and appealing operations, meaning you will have the opportunity to fly the latest aircraft for Flight Simulator to destinations that have high-quality add-on scenery support. In other words, we are an airline who seeks to balance fun and realism.