Flight Simulation developers had news to share today, including a major update for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and a big airport and an aircraft converted for the new simulator.
Yet, before we get down to business, here’s news that received its own individual coverage.
You can check out all the news below.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Gets Major Update 1.2.7.0
As promised, Microsoft updated Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to version 1.2.7.0, and it’s a big one. After a 3.9 gigabytes download, you’ll be able to manually activate and deactivate marketplace content, which is a much-requested feature.
The update also brings a ton of fixes across the simulator itself, many aircraft, and backward compatibility. We even get a number of new liveries from airlines like AeroMexico, Korean Airlines, and more).
Avionics suites also get fixes and improvements, alongside a ton of tweaks and changes made to the career mode and its missions.
Work has also been done across many of the airports and scenery including past world updates, which never hurts.
The patch notes are way too long to include here, but you can find them on the official site.
Hong Kong Airport Upgraded for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
WFSceneryStudio upgraded its popular Hong Kong Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. You can find it on Orbx Direct and Simmarket starting at $19.11.
That being said, if you already own the MSFS 2020 version, you can get the upgrade for free.
Here’s what you can expect.
- The third runway has been updated
- PBR Textures
- Animated Jetways.
- Dynamic Lighting
- Real Ground Markings
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
Airbus A300-600 Upgraded for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Another upgrade for the new simulator comes from iniBuilds and it’s the Airbus A300-600. You can opt to get a compatible version that is simply ported to MSFS 2024 for free, or a “Premium” version that includes new features for the sim for £9.99. If you never purchased the aircraft for MSFS 2020, it’ll cost you £44.99.
Here’s what you can expect from the premium upgrade.
Flight Model Updates:
- Improved Ground Handling: Dynamic wheel deformation now responds to the aircraft’s weight, simulating realistic tire pressure and load distribution.
- Enhanced Aerodynamics: Updated fuselage and engine modeling improves airflow accuracy, especially in challenging crosswinds.
- Drag Profile Adjustments: Improved drag behavior across all phases of flight for more precise handling, particularly during approach.
Preflight Walkaround:
- New Interaction Points: Conduct a full preflight check by interacting with wear and tear areas, integrating MSFS2024’s advanced wear system.
- Interactive Cargo Doors & Engine Cowlings: Open and close them during your inspection for added realism.
- Entry/Exit Points: Access both passenger and freighter variants via the main doors for a fully immersive experience, using the new MSFS24 walkaround mode, you can walk up the aircraft stairs too!
EFB Enhancements:
- Engine Covers and Chocks: Now controllable via the EFB, simplifying your walkaround process.
Performance & Structural Updates:
- Modular Package System: Built with MSFS2024’s modular system, reducing loading times and storage requirements.
- Optimized LODs: For improved multiplayer performance without compromising visuals.
Sound Improvements:
- Tweaks made for FS2024 compatibility
- Fixed some interactions having no sound
- Master sound level adjustment
- Systems sound mix improvement
- AI sound tweaks
- Engine start mixing changes
- Improved interior systems sound attenuation
- Improved engine mixing internally + externally
- Aft engine noise redone externally
- Improved engine noise behind the wing internally
- New ground rolling sounds
- Improvements to environmental sound mix
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.