Flight Simulation developers shared news today, including plenty of new releases for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, MSFS 2020, and X-Plane, on top of relevant MSFS 2024 news directly from Microsoft and Asobo.
Before we move on to the rest of the news, here’s a story that received its own individual coverage.
You can find all the flight simulation news below.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 3 Beta Starts Tomorrow; New Feedback Snapship Shared
Today, we start with Microsoft and Asobo, which had quite a lot to share in today’s development update. First of all, we get a new and updated feedback snapshot showcasing the most relevant items the community wants addressed and the remaining bugs affecting Microoft Flight Simulator 2004.
Another big piece of news is that the beta of the Sim Update 3 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is going to start tomorrow, May 16. That’s quite a big deal considering that Sim Update 2 was released just today.
While Microsoft and Asobo are focusing primarily on MSFS 2024, it doesn’t mean they’re not supporting MSFS 2020, and it’s getting a beta for its own Sim Update 16. It’s coming “very soon.”
We then hear about the next developer livestream, which will happen on May 21 at 10:30 a.m. PDT. It’ll star Jorg Neumann (Microsoft), Sebastian Wloch (Asobo Studio), and Chris Burnett (Working Title), and you can, of course, expect a full report here on Simulation Daily.
Boeing 737-500 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Gets a Release Date
CSS announced on its Discord Server that its Boeing 737-500 for Microsoft Flight Simulator will be released on May 18. On May 17, there will be a livestream at 10:00 UTC showcasing a flight and revealing all of its features.
We already know that -300 and -400 variants on top of the cargo versions will be added to the same package at no additional cost at a later time.
The developer has picked a subscription model that will require users to pay $5 per month or $50 per year, albeit there will be a lifetime purchase for $120.
Hannover Airport Released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and MSFS 2020
SoFly released its Hannover Airport (EDDV) in Germany. You can find it on Orbx Direct (for MSFS 2024 or MSFS 2020), Simmarket (for MSFS 2024 or MSFS 2020), and the developer’s own store, starting at $25.99
It includes the following features.
- Interactive Scenery Technology – Terminal doors open as you approach, with working elevators and escalators bringing the terminal to life.
- Dynamic Airport Environment – Snow piles up in winter, and snow ploughs respond realistically to changing conditions.
- Moving Ground Transport – Watch the underground metro arrive at the station and buses navigate the airport, stopping and opening doors on schedule.
- Interior Modelling with Animated People – Detailed terminal interiors filled with animated staff, passengers, and active airport operations.
- Immersive Audio Everywhere – Rich soundscapes throughout the airport, including terminal ambience, ATC chatter, restaurant clatter, and even restrooms.
- High-Resolution Texturing and Modelling – Crisp, true-to-life textures across terminals, aprons, signage, and terrain for maximum realism.
- Complete Airport Coverage – Includes detailed modelling of cargo areas, hotels, car parks, outer buildings, and surrounding infrastructure.
- Animated Terminal Life – Discover dynamic crowds and active airport scenes throughout check-in areas, lounges, and boarding gates.
- Built for Immersion and Performance – Highly detailed yet performance-optimised to suit a wide range of systems without compromise.
- GSX Profile Included – Fully integrated GSX profile for custom ground handling, pushbacks, and passenger services.
- VDGS Support – Included profile for full VDGS support, using Aerosoft’s VDGS. Requires the Aerosoft One installer for support.
Eugenio María de Hostos Airport Released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and MSFS 2024
Photorico released Eugenio María de Hostos Airport (TJMZ) serving Mayagüez in Puerto Rico. It’s available on Orbx Direct and the official marketplace (only for MSFS 2020 on the marketplace) for about $10.
It includes the following features:
- Detailed modeling of the passenger terminal
- Cape Air ticketing area included
- Recently remodeled kiosks (currently vacant)
- Old Police (FURA) hangar modeled
- Fire Department building included
- Two General Aviation (GA) hangars included
- Deteriorated, non-operational control tower modeled
- Static aircraft based on real aircraft at the airport
- Developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020)
- Successfully tested and compatible with MSFS2024
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport Released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and MSFS 2024
FSXcenery released Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (KOTH) in the United States. It’s available on Simmarket for $17.36.
You can see what it looks like in the gallery above.
Dallas Love Field Airport released for X-Plane 12
iBlueYonder released Dallas Love Field Airport (KDAL) for X-Plane 12. It’s available on Simmarket for $25.98
It includes the following features.
- Complete representation of Dallas Love Field
- Dallas City skyline modeled in true-to-life detail
- Custom ground and pavement environment
- Custom taxi signs by X-Codr
- Custom high-quality static aircraft
- Detailed terminal interior
- Custom night lighting
- Highly optimized for performance
- Hand-placed vegetation
If you’d like to get into flight simulation but you’re perhaps a bit intimidated by its apparent complexity, you can read our introductory guide, alongside the second episode focusing on installing add-ons, and another showcasing the basic instruments.
You can also read more flight simulation news in the previous roundup article.
