Welcome to this week’s MSFS 2024 news roundup! It’s been a packed week in the flight simulation world — from a long-awaited classic airliner launch to the return of supersonic travel, a massive Marketplace sale, and ongoing beta testing. Here are the 10 biggest MSFS 2024 news stories you need to know about.
This Week’s Top MSFS 2024 News
1. iniBuilds TriStar Airliner Launches for MSFS 2024
The most anticipated release of the month is here. iniBuilds has officially launched their Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Airliner, available exclusively on the MSFS 2024 in-sim Marketplace for $49.99 USD. The classic 1970s tri-engine airliner brings a unique flying experience that stands apart from the usual A320 and 737 lineup.
The TriStar features a fully modelled cockpit, realistic systems simulation, and multiple livery packs available as optional add-ons. It’s a refreshing choice for simmers looking for something different. If you’ve ever wanted to relive the golden age of air travel, this is your chance.
2. PMDG 737-700 Release Date Confirmed — April 9th
PMDG has confirmed that their Boeing 737-700NG will launch on April 9th, 2026 — that’s today! This is massive MSFS 2024 news for the community. The aircraft debuts with a brand new “High Detail Update” that completely overhauls the visual fidelity, including a fully modelled passenger cabin with detailed seats, overhead bins, and lighting.
This High Detail Update represents a new standard for aircraft visuals in the sim. PMDG has confirmed the rest of the 737 fleet will receive the same treatment in future updates. If you’re a fan of the 737 — and let’s be honest, most of us are — this is a must-have.
Read more at Simulation Daily →
3. DC Designs Concorde Coming to MSFS 2024
Supersonic flight is almost here! DC Designs has confirmed that their Concorde is now flying natively in MSFS 2024 and is expected to release next week. The developer shared screenshots showing the iconic aircraft looking stunning in the new sim engine, with improved lighting and environmental effects.
Career mode compatibility will be added in a later update. After Concorde, DC Designs plans to bring their F-16 and F-14 fighter jets to MSFS 2024. For aviation enthusiasts who dream of breaking the sound barrier, the wait is nearly over.
4. Marketplace Spring Sale — Up to 85% Off
If you’ve been eyeing a new aircraft or airport add-on, now is the time to grab it. The official MSFS Marketplace Spring Sale is running for 13 days with savings of up to 85% on over 4,300 MSFS 2020 items and up to 80% on over 1,000 MSFS 2024 items. This is one of the biggest sales of the year.
Whether you’re a new simmer looking to expand your hangar or a veteran hunting for deals on scenery packs, this sale has something for everyone. Don’t miss it — the sale ends mid-April.
5. Sim Update 5 Beta Continues
Public testing for Sim Update 5 is ongoing, with test build 1.7.16.0 now available for enrolled beta testers. This update focuses on bug fixes, performance improvements, and stability enhancements across the board. The MSFS team continues to work closely with the community to identify and resolve issues before the full release.
If you want to help shape the sim’s future, you can opt into the beta through the Xbox Insider Hub or Steam’s beta branch. Just be aware that beta builds may contain bugs — it’s best to back up your settings and Community folder before switching.
Read the SU5 beta release notes →
6. City Update 14: The Netherlands & Belgium
The latest free City Update brings enhanced photogrammetry and detailed 3D landmarks to the Netherlands and Belgium. Major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Antwerp have received significant visual upgrades with accurate building models and ground-level detail that makes low-altitude flying a treat.
If you flew over these regions before the update, it’s absolutely worth revisiting — the improvement is dramatic. City Updates are free for all players and download automatically through the Content Manager.
7. Local Legend 23: Fokker F27 Friendship
Accompanying City Update 14, the Fokker F27 Friendship has been added to the Marketplace as Local Legend #23. This classic Dutch turboprop was one of the most successful regional airliners ever built, with over 786 aircraft produced. It’s a wonderful aircraft for short hops around Europe.
The F27 is particularly enjoyable with the newly enhanced Netherlands scenery — flying between Dutch cities at low altitude in this iconic turboprop feels authentic and immersive. It’s available now on the in-sim Marketplace.
8. Artemis II Launch Inspires Community Fly-In
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 1st — the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972. The MSFS community celebrated in style with a themed Community Fly-In Friday event, flying over KSC, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and even Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Community Fly-In Fridays are open to all skill levels and happen every week. They’re a brilliant way to explore new parts of the world with other simmers. If you haven’t joined one yet, this is your sign to give it a go.
9. iniBuilds TriStar Updated to v1.0.1
Just days after the initial launch, iniBuilds has already pushed a patch for the TriStar Airliner bringing it to version 1.0.1. The update addresses early bug reports from the community and includes stability fixes, minor visual corrections, and improvements to the flight model.
This kind of rapid post-launch support is always encouraging to see from a developer. The update is available now through the MSFS 2024 in-sim Marketplace and should download automatically.
Read the patch notes at Threshold →
10. Developer Livestream Coming in April
The MSFS team has confirmed that the next Developer Livestream will take place sometime in April — the exact date is still to be announced. These streams are always packed with insights into upcoming features, fixes, and the sim’s long-term roadmap. You can submit questions in advance via the official form linked in the weekly briefing.
Follow the official MSFS Twitch channel to get notified when it goes live. Developer streams are one of the best sources of MSFS 2024 news and insights into where the sim is headed next.
Read the full weekly briefing →
That’s a Wrap for This Week
It’s been one of the busiest weeks for MSFS 2024 news in a while — between the TriStar launch, the PMDG 737 arriving today, and Concorde on the horizon, there’s a lot to be excited about. And with the Marketplace Spring Sale running, it’s the perfect time to expand your collection.
We’ll be back next Friday with more MSFS 2024 news in our weekly roundup. Got a story we should cover, or something you’d like to see featured? Drop us a comment below — we’d love to hear from you! ✈️
