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VATSIM Announces Record Attendance at Cross the Pond 2026, Over 2,500 Pilots Participate
By Sarah Chen · · 2 min read
VATSIM's biannual Cross the Pond event set a new record with over 2,500 pilots flying across the Atlantic. The event featured full ATC coverage from Boston to Shannon and showcased the community's dedication to realistic operations.
VATSIM's Cross the Pond event, held on October 10, 2026, shattered previous attendance records with 2,512 pilots participating in the transatlantic crossing. The event, which connects Boston Logan (KBOS) and New York John F. Kennedy (KJFK) to Shannon (EINN) and Dublin (EIDW), featured full ATC coverage along the entire route, including oceanic control. Controllers from both sides of the Atlantic worked seamlessly to handle the unprecedented traffic volume, with departure and arrival slots booked weeks in advance.
Pilots flew a variety of aircraft, from the PMDG 747-8 and iniBuilds A350 to the FlyByWire A320neo, all adhering to strict oceanic procedures, including MNPS and RNP 4 requirements. The event also highlighted the importance of proper phraseology and readback, with several streamers broadcasting their flights to thousands of viewers. The VATSIM marketing team reported a 30% increase in new member registrations in the week following the event.
Looking ahead, VATSIM has announced that the next Cross the Pond will take place in April 2027, with a new route pairing between Chicago O'Hare (KORD) and Lisbon (LPPT). The organization also plans to introduce a new pilot rating system in 2027, which will include advanced oceanic and polar operations endorsements. For now, the community is basking in the success of another memorable event.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, event, ATC, record