Update: We have a website!
The website is in the early drafting stages and will progress as the days go by. We aim to apply and register soon!
Hey there! I’m Figan, and I’m planning a new VA; COTAW Elite Group, a cargo airline that’s all about Safety and Reliability. With a solid plan, some real-world experience, and a clear mission, we’re here to shake things up in the virtual cargo world.
The Vision
COTAW is inspired by the real-world Challenge Airlines, but we’re taking it further. More planes, more routes, and a bigger global presence. Our goal? Deliver cargo on time, anywhere, while keeping safety at the heart of everything we do.
Real-World Experience, Real Results
I spent two years as a Navigations Officer in the Israeli Air Force, figuring out how to handle tough airspaces and political roadblocks. Now, I’m using that experience to make COTAW an airline that can navigate anywhere safely and efficiently, even through complex FIR restrictions.
Fleet and Hubs
We’re starting with the A330-200F, a solid all-rounder, and expanding from there to include big haulers like the 747-8F and smaller planes for regional runs. Our home base is LLER, located in a hot spot in the Middle East, both figuratively and literally. We’re aiming to set up hubs worldwide as we grow.
Routes and Partnerships
Using tools like FlightAware, we’re planning realistic routes that avoid headaches like restricted airspace. And as we grow, we’ll team up with other Virtual Airlines to expand our network and create cool opportunities for pilots.
Callsigns and Simulated Operations
If adding a new callsign isn’t an option (and I’m not sure if it is), we plan to use Challenge or Challenge Cargo, as they’re already available in the game and align with our roots. Beyond that, we’re simulating the entire behind-the-scenes process of running an airline. This includes a professional (imaginary) Board, led by myself and Lieutenant GPT, negotiating clearances for restricted FIRs and securing contracts for parking at key airports around the world. The goal is to make every aspect of COTAW as realistic and immersive as possible, down to the smallest details!
IFVARB Certification and Beyond
We’re working on certification with IFVARB, putting together everything they need: a professional website, solid operations plan, and the works. The goal is to be the best of the best and hit the skies running.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. With a strong focus on safety, reliability, and precision, we are laying the foundation for something exceptional. Our operations will regularly include flights through the Tel Aviv FIR, due to geographical necessity and because Israel serves as our home base.
To ensure the highest safety standards and maintain diplomatic harmony, we will take measures to avoid regions of conflict and diplomatically sensitive airspace. This means our routes may often be longer than standard cargo operations, as we navigate scenic alternatives to bypass restricted areas. As an Israeli-operated airline, we will prioritize avoiding countries with strained diplomatic relations, ensuring a smooth and secure journey every time.
By doing so, we are not only upholding our operational integrity but also setting a new standard for how logistics and diplomacy can coexist in global aviation.
COTAW ELITE.: Cargo on Time, Anywhere. Let’s make it happen!
