Today, acclaimed third-party developer PMDG had a few announcements to share about its upcoming releases for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and to a lesser extent, MSFS 2020.
The announcement, made by CEO Robert Randazzo, reveals that the Boeing 777-200ER will be released for both simulators simultaneously between April 16 and April 29.
The package, which still doesn’t have an official price, will include the PW4092, GE90-92, and Rolls Royce Trent 892 engine types. All three will be fully simulated with their own engine models, performance characteristics, and customized sounds.
We’re also getting a new generation soundscape from the developer, promising better audio across the board compared to its previous releases.
New features have been added to the tablet, including a fully customized weight and balance application with Simbrief integration, on top of improved integration with simBrief itself for data uplink for flight plans, performance data, winds, and more.
The simulation has also been improved, including enhanced velocity predictive methods for the auto-throttle, better roll and pitch handling, and advanced mathematical modeling to improve the “feel” for the pilot.
We can also expect better systems, and installation will be done via the new Operation Center 3.0.
We also get a roadmap for the release of existing and new products for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It’s as follows
- PMDG 777-200ER (16APR-29APR)
- PMDG 777F (~Mid-to-late May)
- PMDG 777-300ER (~Mid-to-late-May)
- PMDG DC-6 (~Early May)
- PMDG 777-200LR (~Late May-to-Early June?)
- PMDG 737NGs (TBA)
Customers who purchased the 777 models for MSFS 2020 will get an upgrade for MSFS 2024 at no additional cost. Apparently, performance for these aircraft is even better in the new simulator than in the old one.
We also hear that PMDG is preparing to gradually phase out MSFS 2020 for its new products and updates, as working on both simulators is very time-consuming.
As such, the 777 family will be completed for MSFS 2020, but it’ll be the last. The 747 family will be released exclusively for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
On top of that, the 737 family will be nearly fully rebuilt for MSFS 2024, promising “many new features, updated models, new sounds, and leveraged infrastructure that maximizes the efficiency of the product when running in MSFS 2024.”
This will be for the new simulator only, and the new features will not be backported to MSFS 2020. The upgrade for the 737 family to MSFS 2024 will involve paying a “small” charge.
Incidentally, on June 30, 2025, all products by PMDG for Lockheed Martin Prepar3d will reach the end of their life cycle and won’t be supported anymore, albeit they will remain downloadable for existing customers.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is also available for the same platforms following its recent release in November. If you want to see the massive visual difference against Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you can enjoy our video and screenshot comparison.
A few weeks ago, we published an extensive interview with Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann about the present situation of the sim and the plans for the future.
Incidentally, a few days ago, Microsoft shared an extensive update about its plans for the sim, so you may want to read it to integrate what is said in this interview.
You can also check out our in-depth analysis of how much data the simulator downloads from the cloud, clearing the air from some widespread misinformation that has made the rounds over the past few months.
