Compare the best jet aircraft add-ons for MSFS 2024, from Fenix and PMDG airliners to business, military and free jets, with compatibility advice.
The strongest jet add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are the Fenix A320 family for Airbus operations, PMDG 737 and 777 for Boeing flying, Just Flight BAe 146 and F28 for classic airliners, IndiaFoxtEcho F-35 for military aviation, and FlightFX HJet for business-jet trips. Check each product’s platform-specific 2024 support before buying.
For a single recommendation, our PC pick is the Fenix A320 family. It suits simmers who want detailed Airbus procedures rather than a simplified cockpit, but its supporting PC software rules it out for consoles. Boeing pilots should start with the PMDG 737. Our broader comparison of premium MSFS 2024 aircraft covers those packages alongside other leading jets.
Which MSFS 2024 jet add-on is best for you?
The best choice depends on the routes, avionics and level of automation you want to operate.
| Type of flying | Recommended jet | Why choose it | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Airbus short-haul | Fenix A320 family | Detailed Airbus systems, flight-management workflow and airline procedures | PC only; it relies on supporting software outside the simulator |
| Modern Boeing short-haul | PMDG 737 | Strong choice for realistic Boeing operations, manual flying and structured cockpit procedures | Variants may be separate products; verify the exact aircraft and platform before buying |
| Long-haul Boeing | PMDG 777 | Long-range route planning and wide-body Boeing systems | Use a release explicitly supported in MSFS 2024 rather than assuming an older package will work |
| Classic regional airliner | Just Flight BAe 146 or F28 | Period instrumentation, less automation and more hands-on flying | Neither follows the modern Airbus or Boeing workflow many virtual airline pilots expect |
| Business aviation | FlightFX HJet | Garmin-based avionics, compact-airport access and shorter corporate missions | Marketplace and platform availability must be checked separately |
| Modern military jet | IndiaFoxtEcho F-35 | Multiple F-35 variants and specialised flight modes, including STOVL operations where supported | Microsoft Flight Simulator is not a combat simulator, so weapons and classified systems cannot be fully represented |
| Classic carrier fighter | IndiaFoxtEcho and Heatblur F-14 | Two-seat cockpit, variable-sweep wings and demanding carrier-style flying | Its older systems and crew workload make it less approachable than the F-35 |
The F-35 is our modern military pick; our detailed comparison of F-35 packages explains the variants and simpler alternatives. For civilian operations outside airline routes, see our business-jet comparison covering the HJet, Learjet and Citations.
What are the best free jet add-ons for MSFS 2024?
The FlyByWire A32NX is the best place to start for a free narrow-body airliner, while the A380X targets very large long-haul operations and the Headwind A330-900neo offers a more conventional wide-body alternative.
- FlyByWire A32NX: choose it for Airbus procedures, short- and medium-haul routes and a large supporting ecosystem.
- FlyByWire A380X: choose it for four-engine long-haul flying, provided your PC can handle a complex glass-cockpit aircraft and large airport scenery together.
- Headwind A330-900neo: choose it for long-haul Airbus routes without moving to the much larger A380.
These packages evolve through their own supported builds, so use a version explicitly intended for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Our comparison of free MSFS 2024 airliners covers their strengths, installation methods and compatibility cautions in more depth.
Do MSFS 2020 jet add-ons work in MSFS 2024?
Some Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 aircraft work in MSFS 2024, but complex jets should never be treated as automatically compatible.
Airliners often depend on custom gauges, WASM modules, external programs, licensing components and aircraft-specific navigation systems. Look for an explicit MSFS 2024 build or a clear compatibility statement for the exact product, variant and delivery channel.
A mistake we see constantly is leaving an older aircraft, its replacement and several outdated liveries in the Community folder together. Black displays, missing cockpit controls, duplicate aircraft and loading failures can result. Remove the old package and related liveries before installing the supported build; if trouble continues, test with every unrelated Community add-on disabled.
Do these jets work on Xbox and PlayStation 5?
Console users can install only aircraft distributed for their platform through the in-simulator Marketplace.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 runs on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, but that does not mean every jet is sold on every platform. External installers and companion applications are PC-only, which excludes products such as the Fenix A320 from consoles. Marketplace catalogues and release approval can also differ between Xbox and PlayStation.
What should you check before buying a jet add-on?
Confirm the simulator version, platform and exact aircraft variant before comparing cockpit features or price.
- Supported simulator: the product or its update should explicitly name Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
- Platform: check PC, Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation compatibility rather than relying on the general MSFS label.
- Systems depth: choose a procedure-heavy aircraft only if you want to manage its electrical, hydraulic, fuel and flight-management systems.
- Mission: a 737 suits frequent short sectors; a 777 suits long-haul planning; the HJet works better for compact airports and shorter corporate flights.
- Controls: verify that your throttle, reversers, tiller and any specialised military controls can be assigned sensibly.
- Performance: complex avionics, detailed airports, AI traffic and high-resolution displays all compete for system resources. The aircraft is only one part of the workload.