Compare the best free aircraft add-ons for MSFS 2024, with top airliner, long-haul and GA picks plus compatibility and installation advice.
The best free aircraft add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are the FlyByWire A32NX for detailed airline operations, the native A330-900neo Mega Pack for free long-haul flying, and the Van’s RV-7/RV-7A pack for hands-on general aviation. On consoles, however, freeware is limited to aircraft distributed through the in-sim Marketplace.
Which free MSFS 2024 aircraft is best for you?
The right choice depends on the flying you actually want to do; no single freeware aircraft is best across airliner procedures, long-haul operations and visual flying.
| Aircraft | Best for | Why choose it | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlyByWire A32NX | Short- and medium-haul airline flying | Custom Airbus systems, avionics, flight management and an electronic flight bag | More to learn and maintain than a simple default-aircraft modification |
| A330-900neo Mega Pack | Free long-haul operations | A wide-body Airbus with an A330neo cockpit and Airbus-style systems | Check dependencies and use the package specifically marked for MSFS 2024 |
| Van’s RV-7/RV-7A | VFR touring and aerobatics | Responsive hand-flying with both tailwheel and nosewheel variants | Designed for light-aircraft flying rather than automated airline procedures |
FlyByWire A32NX: best free airliner
The A32NX is our first choice for simmers who want a freeware Airbus with substantially more procedural depth than a basic model or livery package. Its custom avionics, flight-management functions and EFB make it suitable for realistic IFR sectors rather than quick sightseeing flights.
Use our hosted FlyByWire A32NX aircraft package and select the MSFS 2024-compatible installation where the package instructions distinguish between simulator generations. Expect a learning curve: incorrect flight-plan setup, missing performance entries and an unfinished overhead-panel flow can look like add-on faults when they are actually configuration errors.
A330-900neo Mega Pack: best free wide-body
The A330-900neo is the better pick when aircraft type and long-haul range matter more than having the A32NX’s level of procedural detail. The free native A330-900neo package adds a wide-body option with an Airbus-style cockpit and MSFS 2024 support.
Before installation, read the dependency notes rather than assuming every cockpit component is self-contained. A missing prerequisite commonly produces blank displays, absent sounds or an aircraft that appears in the selector but does not load correctly.
Van’s RV-7/RV-7A: best free general-aviation aircraft
The RV-7 pack is the strongest choice here for pilots who prefer hand-flying, VFR navigation and light aerobatics. Our complete RV-7 and RV-7A download includes tailwheel and nosewheel configurations, letting you choose between more demanding ground handling and a more forgiving tricycle-gear arrangement.
It is also a sensible first freeware aircraft because you can assess the flight model without learning a full airliner workflow. Use a modest control sensitivity and check that assistance settings are not masking or exaggerating the aircraft’s handling.
Do these free aircraft work natively in MSFS 2024?
MSFS 2024 compatibility must be confirmed for the exact package version, because an aircraft working in MSFS 2020 does not guarantee that every system will work in MSFS 2024.
Native and compatible are not interchangeable. A native package is prepared for the newer simulator, while a compatible older package may depend on backward compatibility. Custom avionics, WASM modules, cockpit interactions and external installers are the areas most likely to expose differences.
After a major simulator update, check for an aircraft update before troubleshooting for hours. Also remove obsolete copies: two versions of the same aircraft in Community can cause duplicate selector entries, missing textures, frozen instruments or loading failures.
How do I install free aircraft in MSFS 2024?
Most PC freeware aircraft are installed with their supplied installer or by placing the extracted package in the active MSFS 2024 Community folder.
- Confirm the platform. Community-folder downloads are for PC; they cannot be sideloaded onto Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro.
- Read the package requirements. Check for a separate MSFS 2024 build, required base aircraft and supporting libraries.
- Remove an older copy. Do not overwrite a mixed set of old and new files unless the instructions explicitly permit it.
- Extract the archive fully. Do not place the ZIP file itself in Community.
- Check the folder depth. The aircraft’s
manifest.jsonshould normally sit directly inside its package folder, not beneath an extra duplicate directory. - Restart the simulator and test cleanly. Load the standard aircraft without an extra livery or unrelated cockpit modification before adding more packages.
The A32NX uses a more specific workflow than a simple drag-and-drop aircraft, so follow our MSFS 2024 A32NX installation instructions rather than reusing an old MSFS 2020 path.
Can I install free aircraft on Xbox or PlayStation?
Console players can install only aircraft made available through the in-sim Marketplace; ordinary PC freeware archives and Community-folder packages cannot be added manually.
This restriction applies to Xbox Series X|S and the MSFS 2024 releases on PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Marketplace availability can differ by platform, and a free PC aircraft is not automatically offered on consoles. If a listing does not show explicit console support inside the simulator, treat it as unavailable there.
What should I check before downloading freeware aircraft?
A worthwhile aircraft download should be a complete, compatible package rather than a repaint presented as a new aeroplane.
- Aircraft or livery: a livery changes paint only and still requires the original aircraft.
- MSFS 2024 support: look for an explicit compatibility statement for the package version.
- Dependencies: check whether a default, Deluxe, Premium or separate add-on aircraft is required.
- Systems depth: choose custom avionics for procedural flying, or a simpler cockpit when quick loading and hand-flying matter more.
- Update method: installer-managed aircraft and manual Community packages need different maintenance.
A mistake we see constantly is judging an add-on from screenshots alone. Cockpit functionality, dependency requirements and clean MSFS 2024 installation matter far more than the number of included liveries.