Today, I'd like to give you a brief introduction to Historical Mode, which will be coming in the 0.6 update.
In this mode, you'll have the opportunity to build your airline from the very beginnings of commercial aviation. Back then, some aircraft could carry only a handful of passengers, and there were very few places on the map suitable for takeoffs and landings.
Historical Mode introduces a wealth of new content. What I'm about to share is just a small sample of the many features included in this mode.
The Early Days
Historical Mode lets you start as early as 1910. In the earliest days, you can operate airships.
Starting as early as 1910.
The airport network was sparse at the time. Flight range, destination conditions, and other factors all influenced your route choices. In this environment, even a small aircraft and a few reliable sources of passenger traffic could be enough to keep an airline running.
Airships available for a 1910 career.
As time progresses, new airports gradually open. Some older bases will cease passenger operations for various reasons, and certain existing routes may need to be reorganized.
Landing places are scarce on the early map.
Expanding Your Fleet
Historical Mode will introduce 80 additional unique aircraft types. By the 1930s, you can use the Ford Trimotor to carry passengers, gradually replacing it with aircraft like the DC-2.
The used aircraft market in 1936.
The postwar market offers greater opportunities for expansion. Small regional aircraft are well suited to serving remote areas, while jet airliners begin to bring a new level of speed. This is when you'll need to think about when to replace your aircraft, which routes deserve additional capacity, and other strategic decisions.
Turboprop choices in 1964.
Looking back, that little aircraft with only a handful of seats has become a thing of the past.
Running an Airline Through Changing Times
The same location can have very different passenger markets in different eras. China's aviation market in its early days was vastly different from the stage of development it reached around the year 2000. Even if you choose a familiar city as your starting point, operating in a different era can still present an unfamiliar business environment.
China’s market in 1980.
2000
Historical events and periods of turmoil will affect your operations. The game recreates a wide range of real-world events based on actual history. For example, when an oil crisis hits, you may need to reduce flight frequencies on existing routes. Once the market recovers, you'll have to reconsider where to deploy your capacity.
Airline advertising will also evolve with the times, progressing from early newspaper advertisements to radio and television.
Introduce your airline to travellers through the newspaper.
You can start in the earliest era and gradually build your business, guiding your airline through decades of change. Alternatively, you can jump straight into the period that interests you most. Historical Mode supports customizable starting dates.
Stay tuned for the 0.6 update!
Thank you all for your support!
