Best add-on aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
On PC, the best Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 add-on aircraft are the FlyByWire A32NX for a free Airbus, Fenix A320 family for deep Airbus systems, PMDG 737 or 777 for Boeing procedures, A2A Comanche 250 for piston realism, and Van’s RV-7 for free general-aviation flying.
Which MSFS 2024 add-on aircraft are best?
The strongest choice depends on the type of flying and level of systems detail you want.
| Use | Recommended aircraft | Why we recommend it | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Airbus airliner | FlyByWire A32NX freeware package | Custom Airbus systems, fly-by-wire behaviour and detailed airline procedures, with explicit MSFS 2024 support. | PC only; use a build intended for MSFS 2024 rather than copying an old installation. |
| Premium Airbus | Fenix A320 family | Detailed normal and abnormal systems, strong cockpit modelling and extensive airline-procedure depth. | PC only and dependent on companion software; excessive for someone wanting a quick, uncomplicated flight. |
| Boeing airliner | PMDG 737 or 777 family | The 737 suits short and medium sectors, while the 777 is the better choice for long-haul Boeing operations. | Compatibility and platform support differ by aircraft, variant and edition. Confirm that the exact product is marked for MSFS 2024. |
| Piston ownership simulation | A2A Comanche 250 | Detailed engine management, persistent aircraft condition and convincing piston-aircraft behaviour. | PC-focused; check the requirements for the specific MSFS 2024 build before buying. |
| Free general aviation | Van’s RV-7 freeware package | Refined aerodynamics, several avionics configurations and direct MSFS 2024 compatibility. | A light sport aircraft rather than a complete ownership or maintenance simulation. |
| Free wide-body flying | A330-900neo freeware package | An accessible way to fly modern long-haul Airbus routes without buying a premium aircraft. | Do not expect the same type-specific system depth as a premium airliner. |
Military aircraft, historic types, helicopters and turboprops are harder to reduce to one winner because mission and systems depth matter so much. Our MSFS aircraft and add-on library organised by category covers those specialist options.
How should you choose between them?
Choose by the flying experience you actually want, not by the longest feature list.
- For realistic airline procedures: choose Fenix for Airbus or a supported PMDG model for Boeing.
- For a free airliner: choose the A32NX. It offers considerably more system depth than a simple visual model or cockpit conversion.
- For hand-flying and circuits: choose the RV-7. Pick the Comanche when engine care and persistent aircraft condition matter more.
- For casual long-haul flights: the freeware A330 is an approachable starting point, but serious type-specific training calls for a deeper premium aircraft.
A mistake we see constantly is treating study-level as a regulated standard. It is only marketing shorthand. Look for the systems you need: custom flight dynamics, a functional flight-management system, failures, circuit breakers, realistic engine limits or persistent wear.
Are MSFS 2020 aircraft compatible with MSFS 2024?
Many MSFS 2020 aircraft work in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but compatibility is package-specific rather than automatic.
Simple models and liveries often transfer more easily. Complex aircraft using custom avionics, WASM modules, external programs, copy protection or a modified flight model usually need a dedicated update. A product appearing in your content library does not prove every function works in MSFS 2024.
Typical incompatibility symptoms include a missing aircraft, a dark or non-interactive cockpit, pink chequerboard textures, absent sounds, an unusable tablet, broken landing gear or engines that refuse to start despite the correct procedure.
How do you fix an aircraft that does not load correctly?
- Install the MSFS 2024 build. Do not assume an older MSFS 2020 package is the newest version.
- Remove duplicate copies. Two releases of the same aircraft in the
Communityfolder can overwrite panels, sounds and configuration files. - Test without unrelated mods. Temporarily move other Community packages aside, leaving only the aircraft and its required libraries.
- Check dependencies. Some add-ons require a particular default aircraft, simulator edition, avionics package or separately installed library.
- Verify platform support. A Community download or aircraft requiring a companion application will not work on a console.
Reinstalling the entire simulator should be the last step. Aircraft failures are far more often caused by an outdated package, missing dependency or conflicting duplicate.
Which add-on aircraft work on Xbox and PlayStation 5?
Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro users can only install aircraft offered for their platform through the in-simulator Marketplace.
PC Community-folder downloads and add-ons requiring external applications cannot be sideloaded onto a console. Marketplace availability can also differ between Xbox and PlayStation, so check the listing for the exact aircraft and platform rather than assuming every edition is included.
For a complex airliner on console, also consider cockpit interaction. A controller can operate the aircraft, but entering routes and manipulating small switches is markedly easier with supported mouse and keyboard controls.
What should you check before buying an MSFS 2024 aircraft?
Confirm compatibility, dependencies and intended realism before spending money on any MSFS 2024 aircraft.
- Explicit MSFS 2024 support: “For MSFS” or “2020 compatible” is not specific enough.
- Your platform: PC, Xbox and PlayStation do not share identical add-on catalogues or installation methods.
- Required simulator edition: some products depend on an aircraft or component supplied only with a particular edition.
- Systems depth: decide whether you need working failures and realistic start-up logic or simply good handling and visuals.
- Performance: detailed glass cockpits, cabin models and external system simulations can increase CPU, memory and graphics load.
- Update method: know whether updates arrive through the Marketplace, a product installer or a replacement Community package.
For most PC beginners, the free RV-7 is the sensible general-aviation starting point and the A32NX is the strongest first airliner. Fenix, PMDG and A2A become better purchases when their additional system depth is the reason you want the aircraft.