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VATSIM Cross the Pond 2026: Record Attendance and New Oceanic Procedures Simulated
By Sarah Chen · · 2 min read
VATSIM's flagship Cross the Pond event for 2026 saw a record 2,500 simultaneous connections, with updated oceanic clearance procedures and real-world weather integration. The event highlighted the network's growing emphasis on procedural realism.
VATSIM's biannual Cross the Pond event, held on September 26, 2026, set a new record for the network with over 2,500 simultaneous pilots crossing the North Atlantic. This edition featured a fully simulated oceanic clearance delivery system, with pilots receiving CPDLC clearances via the network's new datalink interface. The event also debuted a revised track system based on real-world NAT tracks, incorporating the latest PBCS (Performance-Based Communication and Surveillance) requirements.
Controllers from both VATSIM and IVAO collaborated to provide seamless coverage from departure to arrival, with notable staffing at major hubs like London Heathrow (EGLL), New York John F. Kennedy (KJFK), and Reykjavik (BIKF). The event utilized real-world weather from the day, including a rapidly deepening low-pressure system that forced many crews to deviate for turbulence and fuel considerations. This added a layer of realism rarely seen in online events.
The success of Cross the Pond 2026 underscores VATSIM's commitment to procedural accuracy. The network has announced that it will be integrating more real-world oceanic procedures, such as ADS-C and ITP (In-Trail Procedure), in future events. For serious simmers, these developments offer an unparalleled opportunity to practice long-haul operations in a realistic and dynamic environment.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, Oceanic, CPDLC, Online Flying