FAQ
Short answers for players evaluating the game or getting started.
Is Chief Airline Officer free to play?
Yes. You can register and play for free. Optional credits unlock consultant-style extras; core airline competition does not require a purchase.
Is it multiplayer?
Yes. Players share a world and compete for the same passengers, airport capacity, and market position.
How is this different from classic airline tycoon games?
Demand is modeled at a granular passenger level, which means you compete for passengers by location and they are not captive to specific airports. This makes fortress hubs vulnerable to new entrants who may persuade passengers to drive a little further for cheaper fares. Furthermore, the game has modeled complex connections allowing for any airport to become a hub. Passengers choose among itineraries using price, quality, access, and connections, so hubs emerge from competition instead of being handed to you. The game has been modeled to support multiple types of airlines, and if you play it right you can succeed as a legacy carrier but also as a savvy low-cost carrier.
How fast does the game clock run?
In-game days advance on a real-time schedule (about every 45 minutes), so the market keeps moving between sessions.