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VATSIM Hosts Cross the Pond 2026: Record Attendance and New Procedures
By Aleksei Volkov · · 2 min read
VATSIM's flagship Cross the Pond event concluded with record-breaking attendance, featuring over 2,000 simultaneous flights across the North Atlantic. The event showcased new oceanic clearance procedures and improved pilot-controller coordination.
VATSIM's Cross the Pond 2026, held on September 26th, set a new record for concurrent traffic, with over 2,000 aircraft crossing the North Atlantic. The event, which connects major European and North American hubs, saw pilots depart from airports such as London Heathrow (EGLL), Paris Charles de Gaulle (LFPG), and New York JFK (KJFK). Controllers from both sides of the Atlantic coordinated to handle the massive influx, utilizing real-world oceanic clearance procedures including CPDLC and ADS-C.
This year, VATSIM introduced new procedures for oceanic crossings, including mandatory SELCAL checks and improved position reporting via voice or datalink. The event also featured a dedicated team of oceanic controllers who provided clearances and monitored the tracks. Pilots were required to file accurate NAT tracks and adhere to strict speed and altitude restrictions, mirroring real-world operations. The event was supported by Navigraph, which provided up-to-date navdata and charts, ensuring everyone had the latest information.
Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the professionalism of the controllers and the realism of the experience. Some pilots noted that the new CPDLC integration in add-ons like the PMDG 737 and Fenix A320 made the event more immersive. VATSIM has announced that it will continue to refine oceanic procedures and may introduce more datalink features in future events.
Cross the Pond remains a highlight of the simulation calendar, demonstrating the community's dedication to realistic online flying. It also underscores the importance of thorough preparation and adherence to real-world procedures. For those who missed it, recordings and streams are available on VATSIM's YouTube channel.
Tags: VATSIM, Cross the Pond, Online Flying, Oceanic, Event