3 June 2006
To All Of Our Pilots,

May 2006 was one of our finest months ever. Here are just a few of the highlights:
-Our highest retention rate (91.6%, previous record was 83.4%)
-Our highest hours per active pilot (20:06, previous record was 20:05).
-Our third most flight hours in a single month (7635:19, record is 8377:51).
-Record months for Emirates and South African.

Just as importantly, we fulfilled all our monthly goals, and will be opening Thai Virtual later this month as our twenty-fifth virtual airline. Next on the expansion list is Pan American. In order to expand further, we will need to hire a Pan American Fleet Manager and either have an 80% retention rate or have more than 18 hours per active pilot.

A Note on the New Roster System
I am aware that when PIREPs are being returned on PIREPs, an explanation is not provided. I apologize for this. We hope to have the problem resolved sometime this month. If you're unsure of why a PIREP was not approved, please just contact me and include the PIREP in the email.

Varig/Virgin Express Notice
As you may know, Varig and Virgin Express are both in danger of disappearing from the skies of the real world in the near future. Varig is under heavy financial stress and may be dissolved or restructure. Virgin Express has announced that it will merge operations with SN Brussels Airlines, leading to the loss of the Virgin Express brand. SimAirline.net will continue to offer the operations of both airlines, regardless of events in the real world.

More Route Maps Available
At this time, route maps are currently available for twelve of our virtual airlines through their Destinations pages. I hope to have the remaining twelve created by the end of summer. Please take the time to check out this new resource if you haven't already.

New Advertisement Banners
A new feature to our virtual airlines is advertisement banners on each virtual airline's main page, featuring special information about new or existing routes.

Improved Screenshots Contests
The voting method for our Screenshots Contests is improved as the result of a new poll provider. I strongly encourage you to vote in our Screenshots Contests if you have not in the past.

Contributions Update
SimAirline.net still needs $563.65 to fulfill its contributions goal for the year. You can learn more about how to contribute here.

Virtual Airline of the Month - Sabena Virtual
This month's featured virtual airline is Sabena Virtual, our third largest European virtual airline. More information on Sabena Virtual, including selected screenshots, can be found here.

IFC Participation Cancelled
Due to financial and logistical reasons, SimAirline.net has decided to withdraw from this year's International Flightsim Conventions. However, as Microsoft will be demonstrating the upcoming release of FS X, we strongly encourage pilots to attend if able.

Summer is always an exciting time for SimAirline.net, with dozens of new routes being launched and expanded service offered throughout the world. I hope you enjoy our expansion this summer, both within our current virtual airlines and the inclusion of our latest, Thai Virtual. Thanks as always for being part of the excitement.

Aaron Robinson
aaron.robinson@simairline.net
AOL Instant Messenger: SimAirlineNet