About The Event
Worldflight: A Global Charity Odyssey in Flight Simulation
Since its inception in 1999, Worldflight has stood as the pinnacle of aviation charity events, uniting flight simulation enthusiasts worldwide in a relentless 7-day virtual circumnavigation of the globe. What began as a modest endeavor by a UK-based team has evolved into a monumental annual spectacle, raising over $1,000,000 USD for vital causes while fostering an unbreakable bond within the global VATSIM community.
The Mission
Worldflight challenges teams to fly non-stop around the world—covering approximately 35,000–43,000 nautical miles across 40–50 airports—in just seven grueling days. Operating from full-motion, full-scale cockpit simulators (such as Boeing 737s, 747s, 777s, and Airbus A320s or A330s), crews rotate 24/7 with 30–45 minute turnarounds for briefings and preparations. Virtual Air Traffic Control (ATC) is provided by over 50 dedicated VATSIM controllers worldwide, ensuring seamless coordination from Sydney's departure to the final touchdown back in Australia.
Charity at the Core
Each participating team selects and supports its own charity, with 100% of funds raised directed to these causes. From the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service (over $500,000 raised by WorldFlight Australia alone) to the UK's Lullaby Trust, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, and New Zealand's Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Worldflight amplifies global impact. In the U.S., teams champion organizations like Corporate Angel Network, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and All Children's Hospital—our own beneficiary for Delta 209.
Community & Participation
Over a dozen official teams—from Australia, the UK, Germany, New Zealand, and the U.S.—join forces, alongside "affiliates" (relay teams of home cockpit pilots) and thousands of VATSIM members who fly alongside or spectate via live streams on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. The event's Operations Center provides SimBrief flight plans, routes, and coordination, creating an immersive, real-time global network that transcends borders and platforms (X-Plane, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D, and Precision Simulator).
Our Legacy with Delta 209
Worldflight Team USA proudly fly's under the Delta Airlines flight number 209. Representing a strong US Airline for a strong worldflight team. Every year we aim to complete a 45-leg, 35,000-mile odyssey in a full-size Boeing 737 simulator. Departing from key hubs and embracing the challenge of remote airstrips, we've raised over $35,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital since we began our journey in 2013. Join us every November as we push the limits of simulation, endurance, and generosity—proving that virtual wings can lift real lives.