Compare the best Airbus A220 add-ons for MSFS 2024, including Synaptic and Virtualcol, with advice on fidelity, compatibility and platforms.
The best Airbus A220 add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is Synaptic Simulations’ freeware A220-300 for systems-focused PC pilots—but only when using an official public build explicitly marked for MSFS 2024. If that build is unavailable or unfinished, Virtualcol’s A220 is the practical fly-now choice, though its systems are much simpler.
Our A220 recommendation
Choose Synaptic for fidelity and Virtualcol for immediate, casual flying. There is no single recommendation that suits both groups because the two projects target different levels of simulation.
| Option | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Synaptic Simulations A220-300 | PC pilots wanting deeper A220 systems and freeware | Use only an official public MSFS 2024 build; project availability and completeness must be checked |
| Virtualcol A220 | Casual flights, exterior modelling and straightforward operation | Simplified systems rather than a study-level A220 flight deck |
| MSFS 2020-only A220 packages | Nothing in MSFS 2024 unless compatibility is explicitly confirmed | They may load but still suffer broken displays, controls or avionics |
For context beyond this aircraft, our comparison of leading MSFS 2024 jet add-ons explains how these choices compare with mature airliners that already offer deeper systems.
Why is Synaptic the stronger fidelity choice?
Synaptic is the stronger choice because its A220-300 is intended to reproduce the aircraft rather than place an A220-shaped model over generic Airbus systems. That distinction matters: the A220 grew from the Bombardier CSeries and does not operate like a smaller A320.
A convincing A220 should model its Collins Pro Line Fusion-based flight deck, EICAS logic, flight-management behaviour and aircraft-specific electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. It should not substitute A320-style ECAM pages or copy A320 cockpit flows simply because both aircraft carry Airbus branding.
Before treating any build as complete, check these practical areas:
- Cold-and-dark start-up without assistance or unexplained powered systems.
- Reliable route entry, departures, arrivals, constraints and direct-to changes.
- Predictable lateral and vertical autopilot capture.
- A220-specific alerts and system pages rather than generic Airbus displays.
- Stable frame times and readable displays at a complex airport.
Do not install source files, development repositories or unofficial repacks merely because screenshots show a nearly finished cockpit. A public release package and an MSFS 2024 compatibility statement are the meaningful thresholds. Our freeware airliner recommendations cover other no-cost aircraft if the A220 build available to you is still experimental.
When is Virtualcol’s A220 the better choice?
Virtualcol is the better option when you want an A220 you can operate without learning deeply simulated systems. It suits sightseeing, short airline sectors and pilots who value the aircraft’s appearance and basic automation over detailed failure logic or exact flight-deck procedures.
Its simpler systems are not automatically a fault; they define the intended audience. We would not choose it for realistic type familiarisation, complex FMS work or strict checklist flying. Confirm that the exact package offered to you is labelled for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 rather than assuming an older MSFS 2020 product will behave correctly.
Does an MSFS 2020 A220 work in MSFS 2024?
An MSFS 2020 aircraft may load in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but loading successfully does not prove full compatibility. Glass-cockpit code, input events, tablet functions, sounds and external utilities are common failure points.
On PC, use this order when testing an A220:
- Confirm the simulator version. The product page or release notes must explicitly identify MSFS 2024 support.
- Remove duplicate builds. Do not leave separate 2020 and 2024 editions of the same aircraft active in the Community folder.
- Disable old liveries temporarily. An outdated livery can produce a broken cockpit, missing textures or an aircraft that fails to load.
- Test the base aircraft first. Load its supplied livery at a default airport before adding scenery, traffic utilities or cockpit modifications.
- Reinstall the proper package if displays stay black. A frozen MFD or non-responsive FMS often points to an incompatible or incomplete installation, not a battery-switch mistake.
Can Xbox and PlayStation pilots install the same A220?
Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 pilots can use only aircraft distributed for their platform through Microsoft Flight Simulator’s in-simulator Marketplace. PC Community-folder downloads cannot be copied manually to either console.
Check the platform label before buying because Marketplace availability can differ between PC, Xbox and PlayStation. Features relying on separate desktop programs may also be absent on consoles, and ownership should not be assumed to transfer between platform ecosystems.
Is an A320 add-on better than the available A220s?
A mature A320 is the better purchase when accurate airline procedures matter more than flying the A220 specifically. Established A320 projects generally offer a more complete combination of FMS functions, system failures, performance calculation and training material.
Our guide to the best A320 options for MSFS compares the leading choices. Pick an A220 for its distinctive cockpit, handling and route network; pick a mature A320 when systems depth and dependable day-to-day operation take priority.