Using the Imports Page

How to upload CSV files to bulk-create, update, or delete VA data in Orwell.

Staff
Last verified: January 29, 2026

The Imports page lets you upload CSV files to add, update, or delete data in bulk. It's faster than manual entry for large changes, but requires care—imports cannot be undone and vAMSYS cannot restore damaged data.

Accessing Imports

In Orwell, go to Data → Imports.

You need the Can Use Importers permission to access this page. Each importer also requires its own permission (e.g., Import/Export Routes for route imports). Permissions are assigned in Orwell under HQ → Staff.

Available Importers

Importer

Permission Required

Aircraft

Import/Export Aircraft

Airports

Import/Export Airports

Badges

Import/Export Badges

Containers

Import/Export Containers

Fleet

Import/Export Fleet

Hubs

Import/Export Hubs

Load Factors

Import/Export Loadfactors

Routes

Import/Export Routes

Routings

Import/Export Routings

Scenery

Can Manage Scenery

File Requirements

Your CSV file must meet these requirements:

Requirement

Limit

Format

CSV (comma-separated) only

Max file size

10 MB

Filename length

50 characters max

Filename characters

Letters, numbers, hyphens, underscores, dots only

No spaces

Use hyphens or underscores instead

Files in other formats (PDF, XLS, XLSX) will be rejected. Files from third-party tools like VASchedules are not compatible.

How to Import

  1. Select the importer type from the list

  2. Click the import button that appears

  3. Upload your CSV file

  4. Map columns — If your CSV came from an export, columns map automatically. If you used custom column names, map each column to the correct field before proceeding.

  5. Submit and wait for the import to complete

The import runs in the background. You'll see progress and any errors when it finishes.

Import Order

Some data depends on other data existing first. If importing multiple types, follow this order:

  1. Hubs (if using hub assignments)

  2. Load Factors (if assigning to airports/routes)

  3. Containers (if assigning to airports/routes)

  4. Airports

  5. Fleet (aircraft types)

  6. Aircraft (individual registrations)

  7. Routings (flight plan strings)

  8. Routes (requires airports and fleet to exist)

  9. Badges

  10. Scenery (requires airports to exist)

Do not run multiple imports simultaneously—wait for each to complete before starting the next.

Tips

  • Export first — Download existing data to see the correct format, get IDs for updates, and ensure automatic column mapping

  • Only include changed rows — Don't upload 10,000 rows when you're only changing 3. Unchanged records are not affected by their absence

  • Not all columns required — You don't need every column in your file. Include only the columns you're setting or changing (plus required columns like identifiers)

  • Check the specific importer docs — Each data type has its own required and optional columns

Related

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