FSX Saudi Arabian Airlines A320-214

Experience a meticulously repainted Airbus A320-214 bearing the livery of Saudi Arabian Airlines (often referred to locally as Saudia), crafted by Mohammed Al-Khalifa. The repaint, produced in clear 32-bit textures, showcases the distinctive look of the Kingdom’s flag carrier, and it comes paired with the complete Project Airbus A320 base model. Enjoy the reliable short-to-medium range performance of the A320, which has become a benchmark for commercial aviation worldwide.

Placing the Aircraft into the Simulator

Move the folder titled "Project Airbus A320 Saudi Arabian Airlines" into your “Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes” directory. After that, load up your simulator, locate the aircraft in the selection menu, and begin your flight.

Have fun and fly safely.
 — Repaint by Mohammed Al-Khalifa

Support Statement

This model was originally tested for Microsoft Flight Simulator 9. At the time of release, there were no immediate plans to confirm separate FSX compatibility, although many simmers have integrated it into FSX with success. If you encounter any issues, consider verifying that you have properly placed all relevant files, including any effects in the appropriate folder.

History Behind Project Airbus

The Project Airbus initiative emerged at a transformative point during the golden age of flight simulation. Back in early 2002, Thomas Ruth was developing an A300, and Trevor Slack had the opportunity to beta test that creation. Together with Nicholas Wu, they formed the “Project Airbus” group, refining their engineering ideas and texture work. The team’s A300 release quickly attracted enthusiasts worldwide, as it introduced an unprecedented level of detail for its era.

Other devoted contributors, including Thomas Kwong and Alexander Kvitta, joined the effort as Project Airbus set out to build the A320 series. The group continued to push boundaries with advanced XML features, sophisticated flight dynamics, and an overall dedication to realism. Later, despite a hiatus, drive to refresh the project resumed, culminating in an impressive new variant of the A320. Now the well-respected team has more visions on the horizon, staying focused on delivering high-quality freeware aircraft to the sim community.

Extracting Files and Folder Structure

For FS9 users, simply unzip the provided package directly into the “Aircraft” folder. If there is an “Effects” subfolder, move those visual effects into the main “Effects” directory within the simulator. These steps ensure that lighting, textures, and dynamic elements function properly during flights.

Highlighted Functionalities

• Outflow Valve Simulation: The pressurization system simulates venting excess cabin pressure, opening below 30 knots on the ground.
• Ground Spoilers: Automatically deploy to manage lift and enhance on-ground handling.
• Adaptive Outlet Behavior: Environmental pack outlets adjust their aperture based on outside temperatures.
• Idle Reversers: Engines remain briefly in reverse even after deactivation, adding realism to rollout.
• Double-Bogey Parallel Movement: In certain Indian Airlines models, the bogey system tilts in tandem.
• Dynamic Jetwash: Wing exhaust is visible only when the engines are powered.
• Drooping Control Surfaces: Ailerons and elevators settle when engines shut down.
• Door and Cargo Access: Command passenger entry and cargo bays using key assignments (e.g., Shift+E, wing fold, or tail hook keys).
• Dedicated Lighting Effects: Double strobes, realistic beacons, and touchdown elements enhance immersion.
• Accurate Gear Animations: Landing gear extension and retraction depict the A320’s real-world sequencing.
• Reflective Finish: Dynamic shine highlights the model’s exterior surfaces under varying light conditions.
• Wing Views: Enthusiasts can enjoy cabin-side perspectives for a more authentic visual travel experience.

Passenger and Cargo Door Controls

To open the front left passenger door (L1), press Shift + E. For the left aft door (L2) and the cargo units, you can use the tail hook command, though it may lack a default binding in your simulator settings. The right side doors (R1 and R2) can be toggled by assigning keys to the wing fold command. Feel free to adjust or map these controls as desired for seamless passenger boarding and freight loading.

Project Airbus Contributors

The following individuals, from different eras of Project Airbus development, made critical contributions:

External Model Designer

Andy Warden

Virtual Cockpit Design & XML

Thomas Ruth

Flight Dynamics & Sound

Peter Binamira

Liveries & Base Textures

Demetris Themistocleous, Alessandro Savarese

Additional Liveries

John Tavendale, Derek Mayer

Coordination & Organization

Matthew Murray

Imagery & Feedback

Gianmarco Bettiol, Nick Wu, Trevor Slack, Alexander Kvitta, David Bromwich

Guest painters and other essential supporters included Ben Jones, Dickson Chan, Jaco du Preez, Sheldon Fernandes, and Terence Pereira. Flight dynamics tests were enriched by the insights of Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, Mark Bolatete, and Kester Masias.