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VATSIM Cross the Pond Westbound 2026: Record Attendance and New Oceanic Procedures
By Purima Bhoka · · 2 min read
VATSIM's Cross the Pond Westbound 2026 event drew a record 2,500 pilots, with new oceanic clearance procedures and datalink integration. The event showcased the community's growing emphasis on realistic long-haul operations and highlighted improvements in ATC coverage across the North Atlantic.
VATSIM's flagship oceanic event, Cross the Pond (CTP), concluded its westbound edition for 2026 this past weekend, setting a new record with over 2,500 pilots participating. The event, which simulates the busy North Atlantic track system, saw departures from major European hubs including London Heathrow (EGLL), Amsterdam Schiphol (EHAM), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (LFPG), arriving at North American destinations such as New York JFK (KJFK), Toronto Pearson (CYYZ), and Chicago O'Hare (KORD). This year's CTP introduced updated oceanic clearance procedures, including the use of CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) via the new VATSIM datalink system, which allows for more realistic text-based clearances and position reports.
Pilots navigated the North Atlantic Tracks (NATs) with heightened realism, utilizing advanced add-ons like the PMDG 787, Fenix A320, and iniBuilds A350. The event also featured a dedicated team of oceanic controllers who provided top-down coverage, ensuring that traffic flowed smoothly despite the high volume. A notable highlight was the integration of real-world weather from Active Sky and default MSFS 2024 live weather, which created challenging conditions with strong jetstream winds and turbulence. Many participants praised the improved ATC coordination and the seamless handoffs between VATSIM's European and North American divisions.
Cross the Pond remains a cornerstone of the VATSIM calendar, demonstrating the community's commitment to realism and procedural accuracy. The event also served as a testing ground for new technologies, such as the VATSIM pilot client's enhanced traffic synchronization, which reduced lag and improved situational awareness. With the next eastbound edition slated for Spring 2027, anticipation is already building. For those who missed it, recordings and flight plans are available on the VATSIM website, and the community is encouraged to practice oceanic procedures on regular VATSIM oceanic sectors to prepare for future events.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, oceanic, event, ATC