Choose an operation your aircraft can support

Research both ends of a route before buying an aircraft or building a timetable. Distance alone does not establish airport compatibility or profitability.

1. Find the correct airports

Open Explore → Directories → Airport Directory. Search for the airport and verify its name, country and ICAO code. Similar city names and multiple airports serving one city can easily lead to the wrong choice.

  1. Inspect the origin's airport information and map location.
  2. Repeat for the destination.
  3. Use airport codes consistently when comparing routes and aircraft locations.

2. Compare the aircraft and airport pair

Open the aircraft in Fleet or compare a candidate in the Marketplace. Review its range, passenger or cargo capacity, and the airport information relevant to that operation. Respect any airport-acceptance warning shown by the portal.

Consider the return journey as well as the outbound leg. Include turnaround, maintenance access and any repositioning needed to reach the first airport. A timetable that looks short enough can still fail because the aircraft ends at the wrong location.

3. Inspect your existing network

  1. Open Route Management and search for both airports.
  2. Check whether your airline already has the pair. One created route covers both directions.
  3. Review current aircraft commitments in Schedules.
  4. Compare any market or performance information available to your account, using the same period and airport pair.

The separate Passenger Demand directory is currently marked restricted/broken in portal navigation. Do not rely on it as a required setup step. Use the available airport and route information, then review actual operating results as they accumulate.

4. Make a small, reviewable plan

Write down the aircraft, airport pair, proposed operating days, turnaround, workshop option and cash reserve. Begin with a manageable frequency and a date to review results. High capacity or a busy airport does not guarantee profit.

When ready, follow Manage your passenger routes and Create your first passenger schedule.

Before you commit

  • Both airport codes are correct.
  • The aircraft and airports are suitable for the proposed operation.
  • You are not creating a duplicate return route.
  • The fleet, timetable and maintenance plan can support the service.