IniBuilds has announced Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR) in South Africa, which serves both the mega city of Johannesburg, and the executive capital of the country, Pretoria. It's Africa's second-busiest airport, serving over 24 million passengers annually. It is second only to Cairo International Airport. The announcement came coupled with a trailer for the scenery that highlights some of the features of iniBuilds' upcoming airport. It gives us an overview of the detailed modelling and textures of the terminal building, complete with a terminal interior. The custom static aircraft are also on full display, adding to the immersion of the scenery. Furthermore, the trailer shows some of the surroundings of the airport, including several of the hotels and business centers. Something the iniBuilds website does warn about, is that the scenery depends on photogrammetry and doesn't work with this feature turned off. Inibuilds Johannesburg O.R. Tambo will be available tomorrow, September 27. If you purchase the add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, you will receive an upgrade to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for free. The product will be available from the iniBuilds website and will cost £14.99 excl. VAT. Features Hand-made ground textures for runways, aprons and roads True to life handmade scenery such as signposts, vegetation, parking barriers and more Accurate and dynamic airport lighting Highly detailed airport buildings and objects A current reflection of the airport An official GSX profile which is included in the scenery folder Custom static parked aircraft
Developer AKD Studio took to its social channels to announce that they plan to release their much-anticipated GLF650 for X-Plane 11/12 on October 25, 2024. Based on the popular G650 from American aircraft manufacturer, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (but not directly called that by the developer due to legal reasons), the bizjet typically seats between 11 and 18 passengers in luxury accommodations and can fly an impressive 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km) without refueling. Over the past several months, we've seen previews of both the interior and exterior of the aircraft as well as the custom avionics included in the package. While a full feature list is not yet available, AKD Studio's version of the GLF650 will likely share or build-upon many of the custom systems found in their current GLF550 bizjet, also for X-Plane 11/12. In their announcement, AKD Studio also indicated that pricing for the GLF650 will be set at $44.95. Current owners of the AKD Studio GLF550 for X-Plane 11/12 will automatically receive a "20-25% discount" according to the post. We'll keep you updated as more details emerge.
On schedule for the end of the month, Just Flight has released their latest development update for their Airbus A300 for MSFS. Taking to the skies on October 28, 1972, the Airbus A300 was Airbus's first commercial aircraft. The A300 revolutionized air travel as it was the first wide-body, twin-engine commercial aircraft. With the introduction of ETOPS, the A300 allowed airlines to cost-effectively fly large quantities of passengers to airports inaccessible to quad-engine widebody aircraft. In its prime, the A300 was operated worldwide by airlines like American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Japan Airlines. Despite its old-age, the aircraft still lives on today as a cargo aircraft. In this latest development update, Just Flight highlighted the work completed on the lower engineer's panel, known as Command 3. Evident in the photo previews, Just Flight has put an incredible amount of detail and effort into the cockpit panels. The developer explained that the A300 uses a color-coded lighting system to describe the urgency of a particular annunciator, with amber and red showcasing a serious issue. In addition, for those unfamiliar with the A300, Just Flight took the time to explain what instruments are included in Command 3. Going from left to right, Command 3 includes electrical instruments, secondary engine instruments, and air bleed system instruments. As the flight simulator community has come to expect, all of Just Flight's instruments include the latest PBR technology and feature wear-and-tear effects comparable to a well-used A300. Overall, the team is making good progress on the A300, and it will be interesting to see the upper engine panel instruments next month. To read the full development update, visit Just Flight's website.
Orbx has taken to their forums to announce PNG Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. PNG Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 is a variety of bush strips in Papua New Guinea, built on the excitement of Packs 1 and 2, this new release is their biggest and most detailed yet and adds another 7 airstrips to challenge and immerse yourself with. The strips included are Nomane (AYNO), Kora (AYOZ), Guwasa (AYGW), Meninga (AYEG), Herowenaq (AYHX), Gimi (AYGD) and Simogu (AYQM). Orbx Indie Developer Ken Hall is behind this new pack, featuring 50 more custom-made models, upgraded and sculptured terrain, custom runway elevation profiles, custom models to replace autogen and more. Orbx hasn't officially said when PNG Highland Bush Strips Pack 3 will be released, however, the product page is live so we imagine it will be very soon. Features Bush Strips Nomane AYNO Kora AYOZ Guwasa AYGW Meninga AYEG Herowenaq AYHX Gimi AYGD Simogu AYQM At a glance: Another 50 models added Another 7 airstrips are located in an area northwest of Lae in the highlands. All runways have elevation profiles matching elevation data Where the villages are close by, the autogen houses have been replaced with models The terrain has been sculptured to fix anomalies Full consideration in planning for upgrading, to take advantage of the new features in MSFS 2024
FlyTampa has taken to their forums to announce that their Toronto International Airport (CYYZ) has been updated to v1.2 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The new v1.2 update includes optimisations for World Update Canada, terrain fixes, removal of the aerial CGL, terminal and hangar additions, ground marking updates, runway re-texturing, improved road traffic, improved lighting and much more. The full changelog can be found below. Existing FlyTampa Toronto owners can download the v1.2 update directly from the FlyTampa Universal Installer, SimMarket or Orbx Central. Changelog Optimised for World-Update-Canada Fixed terrain Removed CGL Aerial Added Skyservice Hanger and Terminal Added "UP" Train and Terminal Added 737 fire training Added Surface Movement Radar Replaced VOR models Added 3D localizes Added SE area buildings Fixed deicing S/C/N labels Added centerline hold short dashed markings Updated ground markings Added missing antenna lights Added World Fuel Logo Removed Aviat Logos Resurfaced Runway 15L-33R Adjusted runway TDZL to real world Added starting positions to missing runways Improved apron road traffic Demolished Hanger (North) Demolished Power Plant (NW) Added container parking (NW)
Microsoft has released the latest in its Famous Flyer series: the Boeing 707-320C jet airliner. The 707 is famous for marking Boeing's entry into the jet age and revolutionizing the way we travel. The airliner also serves as the patriarch of the manufacturer's 77 jet lineup that continues to this day. Now, you can relive history and experience the venerable quad-jet on your own in Microsoft Flight Simulator. First flown on December 20, 1957, the Boeing 707 was a long-range jet airliner that transformed the aviation industry and helped usher in the jet age. Its distinctive swept-wing design and powerful jet engines allowed for non-stop flights across the world, revolutionizing air travel. With its spacious interior and comfortable seating, the 707 offered passengers a new level of luxury and convenience. For its Famous Flyer #10, Microsoft chose the Boeing 707-320C variant of the classic jet. Introduced in 1963, the Boeing 707-320C was the final version of the 707 line (the "C" designation indicated a convertible passenger-freighter version of the aircraft). Powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3D low-bypass turbofan engines, the jetliner had a range of 3,337 miles (5,370 km) and cruised at 525 knots. Microsoft's 707-320C Famous Flyer comes with six liveries: Boeing delivery, World Travel, Pacifica, Orbit, Emerald Harbor, and PanAm. Famous Flyer #10, the Boeing 707-320C, was developed in partnership with Aeroplane Heaven and is available in the in-sim marketplace for $14.99. No feature list was shared with the product.
VFlyteair is best known for its variety of GA airplanes for the X-Plane platform… until now. VFlyteair is bringing its aircraft fleet over to Microsoft Flight Simulator, starting with the Piper Twin PA-30. The Piper Twin PA-30 Comanche is the twin-engine variant of the PA-24 Comanche. It was introduced in 1965 as a four-seater (upgraded to six seats later) and powered by two Lycoming IO-540 engines. It's well-known for its versatility as it's historically been used for personal travel, cargo transport, and as a twin-engine trainer. Furthermore, the long-range capability of the aircraft (at around 1,200 NM) made it a great performer for long distances with few refueling stops. VFlyteair redeveloped this airplane from the ground up in order to have a model that is up-to-par with the visual fidelity that MSFS has to offer. The Twin Comanche features support for the TDSSim GTN750 out of the box and will include a glass panel option in a future upgrade. The realistic flight model has been fine-tuned using input from a real-life owner of a Twin Comanche. Sounds are also faithfully recreated using high-fidelity recordings from a real PA-30. Finally, simulated systems are fully implemented including RPM-dependent generator power, true airspeed based on altitude and OAT, radar altimeter, etc. Also of note, most of the work was performed by one of VFlyteair's developers, Igor Kyrylov, located in Kyiv, Ukraine. He worked on the airplane tirelessly while supporting the war effort during the day and making do with limited resources and electricity. The dedication to flight simming by members of our community is outstanding. If you would like to pick up a copy, you can do so on SimMarket for €29.99 ($33.35 USD or £25.05). Feature List Models Accurately modeled PA-30 Twin, built using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft Numerous animations including passenger door, baggage door, cockpit storm window, sun visors 40964096 textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft surfaces Ground services support (marshaller) Full support for MSFS visual icing effects Cockpit Developed using the latest MSFS standards, including intuitive and easy-to-use controls for rotary knobs, multi-position switches and levers A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modeled seat belts and screw heads - every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment Dimmable instrument, radio and dome lighting, with separate control circuits Simulated electrical systems Yoke-mounted flight timer/clock Developed using the latest MSFS standards, including intuitive and easy-to-use controls for rotary knobs, multi-position switches and levers
As you may have read already in our article regarding All Aircraft Featured In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, one of the aircraft that will be included in the Premium Deluxe Pack, will be the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, developed by Miltech. The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III is a military cargo aircraft that first entered service in 1995. Although initial design and production were done by McDonnell Douglas, Boeing took over the production of the jet in 1997 after the two companies merged. As of 2024, 279 C-17s have been built and serve in countries all across the globe, mostly in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. It has a wingspan of 52m and is capable of carrying 77.500kg of cargo. The Miltech Boeing C-17A will boast a "Good level of depth" with audio recorded from a real C-17A and all displays and systems well represented. But given that it's a military aircraft, which is in active service in air forces all around the world, there are areas of operation which are classified and can't be simulated in-depth. The aircraft won't support airdrops at first, but this feature will be added in the future. It will, however, support different kinds of cargo loadouts, such as military vehicles, presidential limos, helicopter fuselages, pallets and more. There will also be a somewhat functional loadmaster station, which will become more functional in future updates. All external doors, including the cargo ramp, will be animated. According to the press release by Miltech, the aircraft will be compatible with Xbox from release. Backward compatibility with MSFS2020 however, is yet to be confirmed and depends on Microsoft, according to Miltech. You can read the original press release in the Announcements channel of Miltech's Discord community.
Developer Cli4D has released Paro Bhutan for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Paro, a scenic town in Bhutan's Paro Valley, serves as a key cultural and administrative hub, located just west of the capital, Thimphu. The town is also home to Bhutan's only international airport, which is now here for the simulator. It is known for its scenic approach, unique infrastructure, and tropical forests, meaning it will be a fun location to explore in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Included with the product are various landmarks such as Ugyen Tsemo, Zangdok Pelri Temple and more, along with bridges, waterfalls, and improved rock formations. There is a number of custom-made 3D landmarks, vegetation fixes, and also replacing autogen buildings with more accurate buildings. You can pick up your copy from SIMMARKET or Orbx for approximately $22.02 AUD / €13.41. Features Improved multiple landmarks like Tiger's Nest Monastery, Ugyen Tsemo, Taktsang Yoesel Gang, Zangdok Pelri Temple, Taktsang Zimchung Sarp, Drukgyel Dzong, Tseteo Gonpa, Paro Kunga Chöling Temple, Sanga Chhoekor, GirikhaLhakhang, National Museum of Bhutan, Zuri Dzong, Zachakha Lhakhang, Zachakha Lhakhang, Zachakha Lhakhang, Khangkhu Resort, Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Pelri Goempa, Bondey Bridge, Nie Bridge, Nyamai Zam Footbridge and some Religious Shrines around the city. Replaced most autogen buildings with more accurate models. Vegetation fixes. Improved roads. Improve rock cliffs. Custom made 3d models with PBR and photo-real textures Compatible with some free popular addons. A waterfall.
A brand new video from BlueBird Simulations has been shared on its YouTube channel as part 2 of their September update. This new video focuses on the sounds created by Boris Audio Works, where we can hear various phases of the flight experience on the 757. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Comments At the start of the video, BlueBird Simulations gave a comment on their plans for supporting Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and how their 757 fits. In short, BlueBird confirmed that the 757 will launch on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, with an update planned in the future to bring it to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. BlueBird confirmed that this will be a free update. BlueBird said that they had seen all the videos and that the new sim looks "amazing". Sounds from the Video BlueBird handed over to Boris from Boris Audio Works who introduced the sound package which will come with the 757. Then we were put into the simulator, listening to boarding sounds and hearing the aircraft's environmental sounds in the background (e.g. hydraulics, fuel pumps, packs, etc). As the aircraft taxiied to the runway, we heard the engines spool up and down with varying levels of thrust. We then get to enjoy a take-off roll from the wing view, before then some more external sounds as the aircraft depart the airport. There are various other shots from inside the cockpit (listening to the gear come up) and more. As the aircraft touched down, we hear the gear kissing the tarmac, wheel bumps over the runway lights, and also reverse thrust. Overall, we heard a great deal of the sounds to come with the plane. Sadly, no engine start-up/shut-down at this time as the team continues to refine the timings of everything. The Next Video Update Finally, the video wrapped with a brief update on when to expect the next update. BlueBird said that we should expect it at the end of October or mid-November. This is when we'll see more about the systems. As for the the release of the 757, BlueBird we'll know for sure whether we will see it in 2024 or not, but he said it's getting "very tight" to be out at the end of the year. But the team won't be rushing it and will only release it once it's right. The team is committed to the plane, working 7-days a week to ensure they bring the best rendition of the 757 to the flight simulation community. For more on the 757 by BlueBird Simulations, check out our interview with the developers at FlightSimExpo. Or learn more about the 787 they're also working on.
A new update for the Fenix Simulations A320 and A319/A321 Expansion packs were released earlier today. This new update fixes some issues with the avionics and systems area, along with the art and sound department. The new version changelog is relatively small compared to some other updates in the past, but it fixes some issues with performance, and clickspots, and also ensures that the ACARS system from SayIntentions works. You can download version 2.2.0.359 from the Fenix Installer. The team at Fenix are working hard on more updates for the plane and is aware of bigger bugs and issues. They are working on them and listening to feedback from the community. Aamir from the team said that since July 26th, they've had 127 builds of the plane, which equates to 2 new builds a day for the past 59 days. So rest assured, that the team is hearing you and working on providing more updates for the aircraft. As always, we'll keep you posted on any news moving forward from the Fenix team. In the meantime, check out the changelog for version 2.2.0.359 below. For more on the Fenix A319/A321 Expansion pack, check out our previous post. If you're wondering about the free Sharklets update, it's still planned to come at some point, but no word on it yet from the Fenix team. If you're looking to pick up the Fenix aircraft, you can do so via their website. Changelog Avionics and Systems Fixed issue with not connecting to SayIntentions ACARS Fixed LVR ASYM message during engine failure with thrust lever idle Small performance improvement Art and Sound Fixed some clickspots being hard to use from the FO seat Fixed standby ADI vibrator volume Fixed A319 overhead bin missing some polygons Fixed A321 flap rod not animating on the right side Fixed A321 flap rod having incorrect material assignment Fixed A321 right inboard flap being slightly extended compared to the left wing Fixed A321 windows at the rear of the cabin showing gaps Fixed A321 having incorrect flap rivet normals Fixed panel decal normal map showing on cockpit livery decals
With Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 information now firmly out in the public space, third-party developers are now able to start commenting on what their plans are. Whilst developers still await an SDK for the new simulator, some are already making public statements, including iniBuilds. iniBuilds are likely in a somewhat unique position at this stage due to having already worked on the simulator for some time. This is because they are bringing several aircraft to the base simulator (A321LR, A330, BelugaXL, etc). However, the team also has their own catalogue of products, and also aircraft on the horizon, such as the Airbus A350. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Products from iniBuilds On the inibuilds Discord, the team released a handful of statements in response to questions from their community about what products would be coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Airbus A350 Beginning with the new information from iniBuilds surrounding the A350. It has been confirmed by iniBuilds that the A350 will be a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release only. It wasn't specifically said why, but that we should expect more information in the future. Airbus A300-600R This was confirmed in July, but as a reminder, the Airbus A300-600R from iniBuilds will be upgraded to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 free of charge. Scenery Products In addition to the new information about the A350 being now for MSFS 2024 only, the team also confirmed plans for its upcoming scenery releases. They said that scenery products released in the next few weeks will be for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. As for those released prior to today's statement, we need to reference the information iniBuilds shared back in July. All products released this year will be brought to MSFS 2024 for free, along with "most" that released in 2023. They did add that a few select products will have new versions made from scratch, but that previous owners would get a discount. You can read more about that in their previous statement from July. Whilst some of this new may not be what you were hoping for, it is good to see developers now starting to make public statements on what the future holds so customers can plan accordingly. For more on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, check out our technical overview or our hands-on playthrough. You can also learn more about the iniBuilds A350 and watch the teaser trailer. Thanks to Alpha_mark for the tip.
Virtual Reality was added to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 a few months after its release, thanks to the community pleading with the developers to include it. Virtual Reality helped make the simulator much more immersive for simmers and it has now become a staple in how many use their home set-ups. Therefore, it's great to see Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launch day 1 with VR support. During the Global Preview Event of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, a handful of VR set-ups were made available to indivudals to try out. The headset of choice for the event was Pimax's Crystal Light, which features high resolution displays and good refresh rates to ensure that you get a quality visual experience. Our friend theVRpilot used the headset during the trip and gave his hands-on (face-on?) impressions of the new simulator when using VR. Considering that 10-15% of people who use MSFS are using VR, there is a big audience out there looking to learn more about how VR is handled in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. A number of other outlets and creators also got their chance to try out VR for the new simulator and gave their own impressions. Another YouTuber, Polman, tried the Pimax Crystal Light as well, saying "If MSFS2020 looked good, just wait until you see MSFS2024. You will be absolutely amazed by the graphic quality." It seems that VR has been refined for the new simulator, which is super important considering the level of detail we're going to see now in the ground and airports. You can see how much more detailed compared to Microsoft Flight Simualtor 2020 in our comparsion article. Stay tuned to FSElite for more on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
When Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launches on November 19th 2024, it will be available in multiple editions, just as previous entries into the series saw. However, a new edition called Aviator Edition will also launch alongside the Standard, Premium, and Premium Deluxe Editions as a way for simmers to get even more value from it. We already know what aircraft will come with the other editions, thanks to our lists, but a new graphic has appeared online that gives us the exact aircraft which will come with the Aviator Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Aircraft Coming Included with the Aviator Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 The additional aircraft coming to the Aviator Edition includes all Microsoft-published payware DLC (excluding the Reno Air Race aircraft) from the in-sim Marketplace. This includes titles from the likes of the Local Legends series, Famous Flyers, etc. Below is the complete list of the 30 additional planes that come with the Aviator Edition. Aero Ae-45 / Ae-145 Antonov An-2 Antonov An-225 ATR 42-600 / 72-600 Beechcraft Bonanza V35 Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing Beechcraft Model 18 Twin Beech Bell Helicopter 47J Ranger Boeing 307 Stratoliner Boeing 707-320C Cessna 195 Businessliner Cessna 207T Curtiss C-46 Commando De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou Dornier Do J Wal Dornier Do 31 Dornier Do X Douglas Aircraft Company & Waco C-47D Skytrain & CG-4A Focke-Wulf FW 200 Condor Fokker F.VII Ford 4AT Trimotor Granville Gee Bee R2 / Z Junkers F13 Junkers JU 52 Latécoère 631 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2 Saab 17 B Savoia-Marchetti S.55 Short SC.7 Skyvan Westland Scout / Wasp Pre-order the Physical Copy of the Aviator Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 If you are looking to pre-order the Aviator Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can already pre-order the digital edition from the Xbox store. What is unique about the Aviator Edition is the fact there will be a physical copy of the edition which also comes with a unique steel book to proudly display. The Aviator Edition physical edition is only included in the Collector's Box, which also features a bag, a model AN-225, and a bunch of other goodies. US Customers - Collector's Edition - Available via the Aerosoft website. Available for $259.99 (excluding taxes). Rest of the World - Collector's Edition - Available via the Aerosoft website. Available for €235.25 (excludes tax) Pre-order the Physical copy of the Premium Deluxe Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 You can also pre-order the physical copy of the Premium Deluxe Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator from Amazon for $129.99 or Best Buy for $129.99. If you're in the UK, on Amazon UK for £129.99, or Game.co.uk for £119.99. This version does not include all the planes above, but does feature some 90 aircraft. FSElite made an error in saying that you could pre-order a physical copy of the Aviator Edition via Amazon, BestBuy, or Game but this was in fact incorrect. FSElite apologises for this error and a correction has been made.
With a trailer over on their YouTube page, Parallel 42 has announced the latest in their immersion packages, with the 737 Immersion. The trailer gives us a preview of some of the special effects that we can come to expect for this add-on. It shows effects such as engine intake vortices and (improved) wheel spray during rainy or wet conditions, wing and engine condensation, St. Elmo's fire, cloud illumination, water droplets, contrails and more. In total, 15 new effects will upgrade the visual presentation of your Boeing 737. The package will be compatible with PMDG's 737, as well as others, although Parallel 42 did not comment on which others this might include. 737 Immersion will be cost €15, but Parallel 42's SimFX is required for the immersion package to work and needs to be purchased separately.
X-Plane developer ToLiss posted an announcement about their upcoming Airbus A330-900 (NEO). The release date is made official: October 19th, 2024 and their simulation of this widebody aircraft will come to both X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12. This particular date is not chosen at random, as on October 19th 2017, the first ever Airbus A330-900 flight departed from Toulouse in France, as part of its certification effort. This "NEO" (New Engine Option) variant was developed by Airbus as an upgraded version of their original A330 lineup, aiming to reduce fuel consumption by roughly 14 percent per seat. Most of this is possible by utilizing the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-72 engines that feature the latest tech and features a high bypass ratio, especially compared to it's predecessor. After its introduction with TAP Air Portugal in 2018, the A330neo has enjoyed a steady increase in orders and deliveries. There are about 140 aircraft in active service with around 20 different airlines, with many more orders to be fulfilled. It's expected therefore that this type will be in the skies for quite some time to come. ToLiss first announced a new aircraft was under development at FS Weekend in Lelystad in March 2024. In August we learned the type was confirmed to be an A330-900. As mentioned the aircraft will feature the Trent 7000 engines and a few other new features such as Digital Radio and Audio Integrating Management System (DRAIMS) and a heads up display. According to ToLiss the focus is now on texturing as it moves through the final development phases in anticipation of the release next month. When the full set of features and the pricing becomes available, FSElite will keep you updated.
We knew today would be the day and Jetstream Designs has committed to the release date as Geneva Airport (LSGG) is now available. Jetstream has joined forces with developer Marcus Nyberg to bring Geneva Airport to Microsoft Flight Simulator, with his previous work being Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg and more. Geneva International Airport, also known as Cointrin Airport, is an international airport serving Geneva, Switzerland. It is the second-busiest airport in Switzerland after Zurich Airport and is located 2.5 miles northwest of Geneva city centre. Geneva Airport serves as a major transportation hub for the region, handling both domestic and international flights and offers a wide range of connections to various destinations across Europe and beyond, it is also a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland. At present, Geneva has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 142 destinations in 48 countries with the longest route to and from Geneva being Mauritius, at 3,490 miles non-stop operated by an Air Mauritius Airbus A350-900. The airport products come with a bunch of features, including "beautifully" modelled interiors for all terminal buildings, realistic snowbanks, dynamic airside traffic (which adapts to time of day and weather), a custom GSX profile and a VDSG system for all stands. This has been optimised for smooth performance and has been supported by the airport itself to make it the most detailed rendition of the airport available. You can get your copy from Contrail for approximately €18,31 (excluding taxes). It is available through other stores and soon the in-sim Marketplace and Flightbeam's store. Features Highly detailed and accurate recreation of LSGG Geneva Airport Fully functional Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) at all stands Beautifully modeled interiors of all terminal buildings Dynamic airside traffic that adapts to time of day and weather conditions Realistic snowbanks and snow removal vehicles influenced by weather Custom GSX profile (by pvrlpe) for seamless ground handling integration Developed with support from Geneva Airport for the highest level of realism Stunning night lighting that brings the airport to life after dark Optimized for smooth performance across a variety of system configurations Serves a diverse range of air traffic, from large airlines to business and general aviation
Orbx added another small GA airport to their library, Sulphur Creek Ranch. This destination is a tucked-away venue in the wilderness of Idaho, spanning 80 acres, and offering guests the chance to get away from it all and enjoy a mix of hiking, fishing, and hunting. Orbx has brought this wilderness ranch and airport to life with their extensive attention to detail including custom terrain and vegetation, PBR throughout the scenery, and little details scattered throughout like condiments on tables, umbrellas, folks meandering about the lodge, etc. A couple of notable features are the steaming hot breakfast that moves in the direction of the wind and lit fire barrels for night-time landings. If you're interested in picking up a copy, you can do so on Orbx for AU$18.00 (USD $12.24, €10.96, £9.21).
Following the preview round-up, Microsoft has confirmed the minimum, recommended, and ideal PC specs will be for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Regardless of your hardware, you will need a machine that is connected to the internet (a minimum 10 Mbps speed) and at least 50GB on you storage device in order to use Microsoft Flight Simulator. If you then require third-party add-ons (outside of the thin client cloud-based system), you will need more storage space and more ideal settings will see you needing internet speeds of up to 100Mbps. You can see the full specifications down below for what will be required of you for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Image Credit: Microsoft PC Requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Minimum Specifications Minimum Specs (NVIDIA / Intel) Minimum Specs (AMD) Recommended Specifications Recommended Specs (NVIDIA / Intel) Recommended Specs (AMD) Ideal Specifications Ideal Specs (NVIDIA / Intel) Ideal Specs (AMD) Minimum Specifications These are the bare minimum specs you will need in order to run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. You may not get the smoothest or visually pleasing experiences, but you will be able to discover the world on low settings. These settings will may get you a 1080p experience in some conditions. Minimum Specs (NVIDIA / Intel) Min OS Version: Windows 10 (Latest update) DirectX Version: DX12 CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K GPU: GeForce GTX 970 VRAM: 4 GB RAM: 16 GB Storage: 50 GB Bandwidth: 10 Mbps Minimum Specs (AMD) Min OS Version: Windows 10 (Latest update) DirectX Version: DX12 CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X GPU: Radeon RX 5700 VRAM: 4 GB RAM: 16 GB Storage: 50 GB Bandwidth: 10 Mbps Recommended Specifications If you're looking to run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in a more visually pleasing manner, then you will need to have a machine that is running the recommended specifications. You can see what would be required below. With these specs, you should be able to push 4K display, but would probably be better going no higher than 2K if you want to retain smooth frame rates. Recommended Specs (NVIDIA / Intel) Min OS Version: Windows 10 (Latest update) DirectX Version: DX12 CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K GPU: GeForce RTX 2080 VRAM: 8 GB RAM: 32 GB Storage: 50 GB Bandwidth: 50 Mbps Recommended Specs (AMD) Min OS Version: Windows 10 (Latest update) DirectX Version: DX12 CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X GPU: Radeon RX 5700 XT VRAM: 8 GB RAM: 32 GB Storage: 50 GB Bandwidth: 50 Mbps Ideal Specifications If you are looking to have all the performance and visual eye candy, then you will need a PC that has the below hardware in order to have the ideal experience. Obviously, if you have something even more powerful than the below specs, you will be able to crank up the settings, turn on 4K and have a smooth frame rate. Ideal Specs (NVIDIA / Intel) Min OS Version: Windows 10 (Latest update) DirectX Version: DX12 CPU: Intel i7-14700K GPU: GeForce RTX 4080 VRAM: 12 GB RAM: 64 GB Storage: 50 GB Bandwidth: 100 Mbps Ideal Specs (AMD) Min OS Version: Windows 10 (Latest update) DirectX Version: DX12 CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7900X GPU: Radeon RX 7900 XT VRAM: 12 GB RAM: 64 GB Storage: 50 GB Bandwidth: 100 Mbps
We sit down with Christopher Burnett, Co-founder of Working Title Simulations and Brandon Yaeger, Founder and Project Lead at Got Friends. We discussed with them 3rd party add-on development, the SDK, and how it is for the teams to be so closely involved with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This interview was conducted with our friends at HeliSimmer.com and took place at the Grand Canyon during the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Global Preview Event.