Flight Simulation developers shared news today, including plenty of reveals, updates, and releases for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, MSFS 2020, and X-Plane 12.
Before we move on to the news, you can check out a story that received its own individual coverage.
You can find all the flight simulation news below
PMDG Updates Boeing 777-200ER for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and MSFS 2020; Freighter and -300ER Get Beta and Release Window Updates
PMDG updated the recently released Boeing 777-200ER twice over the past couple of days. The first update fixes a few graphical issues that cropped up at release, while the second comes with a few more fixes and aims to reduce the occurrence of a fairly rare but annoying WASM crash that basically disables the aircraft on the simulator.
We also get the confirmation that the beta testing of the 777 Freighter for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is going well, and the plan is to release it around May 15 (but it could be the 14th or the 16th because the 15th is CEO Robert Randazzo’s and his wife’s Wedding Anniversary).
The 777-300ER for MSFS 2024 will go into beta testing “probably this weekend,” and the plan is to release it somewhere between May 22 and May 26 if everything goes well.
The 200LR for MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020 should go into beta before the end of May and should come before the end of June.
The DC-6 for MSFS 2024 is waiting for some issues to be fixed by Sim Update 2, and if they are, it’ll go into beta immediately after it’s released. PMDG expects one or two weeks in beta before it’s released.
The process to bring the 737NG family to MSFS 2024 is ongoing, but there’s a lot of work to do, as it’s an older product. Randazzo expects it’ll take between 6,000 and 8,000 man-hours of work, and the developer will keep us updated as said work continues. You can hear it all from him in the video above.
Piper PA-28s by Just Flight Made Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Just Flight has announced that its Piper PA-28R Arrow III, its Piper PA-28R Turbo Arrow III and IV, and its Piper PA-28-171 Warrior II have all received significant updates, including the much-awaited compatibility with MSFS 2024.
The update, also coming to the original MSFS 2020 versions, also includes improved flight models, interactive paper charts, and the latest version of Just Flight’s EFB.
You can find the full changelogs below.
Spitfire – The Early Years – Prototype and Mk1 Released
Aeroplane Heaven released its Spitfire – The Early Years – Prototype and Mk1 package. It’s available on Orbx Direct and on the developer’s own store, including both the prototype of the aircraft and the early Mk1 version. It’s priced at about $29.
You can find a list of features below.
- Authentic, HiFidelity models built from the best plans and blueprints available
- Beautifully crafted details inside and out.
- Unique animations include a “crashed” prop routine with smoke and flames.
- Accurate flight dynamics.
- Removable engine covers reveal a detailed Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.
- Full WWise Sounds authored for Aeroplane Heaven by Echo19
- K5054 PROTOTYPE – as appeared on factory “roll-out”.
- K5054 PROTOTYPE – All “grey-blue” gloss finish as displayed at airshows.
- K9794 One of the first machines delivered to 19 Squadron.
- K9938 On charge with 72 Squadron in 1939.
- 19 Squadron Mk1. The Squadron codes changed from “WZ” to “QV” in late 1939.
Port Lincoln Airport Announced for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Impulse Simulations Announced Port Lincoln Airport (YPLC) in Australia.
For the moment, a release date has not been revealed, but you can check out a few screenshots above.
Tipton Airport Released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Cat3Dual Studios released the MSFS 2024 version of its Tipton Airport (KFME) in the United States. It’s available on Simmarket for $12.39.
If you have the MSFS 2020 version, you’re entitled to a free update. Here’s what you can expect.
- Custom hangars and buildings on the airfield
- Decomissioned control tower
- Custom taxiway signs and pavement decals
- Both 100LL (AVGAS) and Jet-A fuel tanks available
- Segmented circle with pattern direction, and FAA L807 windsock
- FAA L802A Rotating beacon
- Medium intensity runway edge lights, directional runway threshold lights, REIL, and taxiway edge lights
- Land side features: Airfield Road and General Aviation Drive paved with painted lines, parking lot markings, custom wayfinder signs
London Gatwick Airport Released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
iniBuilds released its rendition of London Gatwick Airport (EGKK). It’s available on the developer’s own store for $29.27.
You can check out a list of features below.
- Hand-made ground textures with crisp, bespoke texture sets for runways, aprons, paths, and roads
- True-to-life airport landside recreation with custom ground decals, signposts, vegetation, parking barriers, and more
- Accurately modeled and positioned dynamic airport lighting for enhanced realism
- 180+ hand-crafted models featuring custom-made buildings, vehicles, and objects
- Hand crafted terminals with crisp textures providing a fresh, modern appearance
- HD jetways with intricate details enhancing the airport’s realism
- Highly detailed models of all airport buildings, objects, and surroundings
- Full HD ground poly matching the 2025 airport layout
- Up-to-date airport layout reflecting the current, real-world location
- Official GSX profile included in the scenery folder and iniManager download
- Level of Detail (LOD) optimization for every model ensuring the best performance possible
- Use of the latest MSFS2024 SDK features for optimal performance and smooth experience
- Bespoke taxi signage true to real-world specifications
- Full iniManager compatibility allowing easy configuration for optimal performance on your system
Baghdad Airport Released for X-Plane 12
Azrsim released Baghdad International Airport (ORBI) for X-Plane 12. It’s available on Simmarket for $22.06.
You can see what it looks like in the gallery below.
Basra International Airport Released for X-Plane 12
Azrsim also released another port of an Iraqi airport for X-Plane 12, and it’s Basra International Airport (ORMM).
You can find it on Simmarket for $22.06 including the following features.
- Hand-Drawn Textures: All ground tiles are painstakingly hand-drawn to deliver a realistic and high-quality visual experience, capturing the essence of Basra Airport’s unique terrain and layout.
- Dynamic Ground Vehicles: Enjoy the realistic movements of cobuses and ground service vehicles, each with authentic animations and interiors for added realism.
- Basic Interior Details: Key interior spaces have been modeled with attention to detail, enhancing the authenticity of the terminal environment.
- Realistic Lighting and Weather Effects: Built-in support for dynamic lighting and weather changes, ensuring that every time of day offers a unique experience at Basra Airport.
- A Must-Have for Regional Flight Enthusiasts!
- Whether you’re flying in or out of Basra, or just want to explore this stunning airport in the heart of Iraq, Azrsim’s Basra International Airport offers a highly detailed and immersive experience, perfect for those who appreciate realism and animation.
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.