Flight simulators soar above real flying in popularity post lockdown

• New norm? Virtual world overtakes the real thing
• Post lockdown has seen big shift in flying experience bookings 
• Flight simulators now account for 1 in 10 bookings despite a large array of actual flying lessons available, reports FlyDays.co.uk

New research from FlyDays confirms that the virtual world is increasingly more popular than the real world.

And the fundamental shift has really gathered pace post lockdown, as for the first time ever, we have witnessed a period when bookings for flight simulators became more popular than real flying lessons.

This is despite the fact we offer a vast array of flying lessons, including 25 different packages at airfields across the UK, compared to only one flight simulator experience at just six venues.

Indeed, flight simulator bookings have now grown to 1 in 10 of all our purchases, as well as hot air balloon rides, helicopter and microlight flights, skydiving and gliding, totalling more than 100 different experiences altogether.

Dan Jones, operations manager at FlyDays.co.uk, says: "It’s quite incredible, and possibly not surprising, to see the virtual world overtake the real thing in popularity. In truth, perhaps it was just a matter of time before it happened, and clearly shows where the future lies. However, a flight simulator experience is an incredible thrill, with every button and switch the same as you would find on a real aircraft."

Meanwhile, while a flight simulator experience is within a replica cockpit, the technical advancements, and almost lifelike graphics, of flight simulator games played at home on a PC or game console, is also heralding a new era of flying fans, who might never actually take to the skies.

Dan added: "Whether it’s in a flight simulator cockpit, or the comfort of your own lounge, virtual flying has never felt so real. No wonder it is so popular as you can now fly to every corner of the planet without ever leaving the ground."

To find out more about our Flight Simulator Experience packages, and to book a date or purchase an open gift voucher, head to FlyDays' dedicated Flight Simulator page.