Compare the best jetliners in MSFS 2024, from Fenix and PMDG to bundled Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with freeware and console advice.
The best jetliner in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the Fenix A320 family for realistic short-haul flying on PC. Choose the PMDG 737 for Boeing operations, PMDG 777 or iniBuilds A350 for long haul, FlyByWire A32NX for freeware, and the bundled Airbus A330 for the strongest no-extra-cost widebody.
Best MSFS 2024 jetliners at a glance
| Jetliner | Best for | Why it stands out | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fenix A320 family | Best overall realism | Detailed Airbus systems, convincing automation and excellent short-haul workflow | PC only and payware |
| PMDG 737 family | Boeing short and medium haul | Strong FMC, autoflight and cockpit procedure modelling | Confirm the exact MSFS 2024 and platform release before buying |
| PMDG 777 | Long-haul Boeing flying | Deep systems and a convincing modern widebody workload | Payware, with more preparation and a higher performance cost than a narrow-body |
| iniBuilds A350 | Modern Airbus long haul | Contemporary flight deck, Airbus automation and long-range capability | Platform availability can differ |
| FlyByWire A32NX | Best freeware jetliner | A detailed A320neo experience without buying another aircraft | PC only; install a build explicitly intended for MSFS 2024 |
| Bundled Airbus A330 | Best included widebody | Useful for medium and long routes without another purchase | Not as deep as the leading premium aircraft |
| BAe 146 Professional | Classic regional operations | Hands-on flying, older systems and distinctive four-engine procedures | A much busier cockpit than a modern automated Airbus |
For a closer buying comparison, our breakdown of leading MSFS 2024 jet add-ons examines the major modern and classic choices in more detail.
Which jetliner is best for realistic airline operations?
The Fenix A320 family is our first choice for realistic short-haul airline flying on PC. It rewards proper power-up, MCDU programming, managed guidance and turnaround procedures, yet its Airbus automation keeps the physical flying manageable.
Choose the PMDG 737 instead if you prefer Boeing terminology, an FMC-led workflow and more conventional handling. Neither is automatically easier: the Airbus demands an understanding of managed versus selected modes, while the 737 expects closer attention to speed, vertical modes and configuration.
The FlyByWire A32NX is the sensible starting point when cost matters. It models a newer A320neo rather than the Fenix aircraft's A320ceo, so the choice is not simply free versus paid. Our comparison of the available A320 options explains the differences between the Fenix, FlyByWire and bundled aircraft.
What is the best long-haul jetliner in MSFS 2024?
The PMDG 777 is the strongest choice for a systems-focused Boeing long-haul flight, while the iniBuilds A350 suits pilots who prefer a modern Airbus cockpit. The bundled A330 is easier to recommend when you want a capable widebody without paying for another aircraft.
The 787-10 is another good Boeing choice if it is included in your edition. The 747-8 remains appealing for heavy-aircraft handling and four-engine procedures, but it is less representative of modern passenger fleets than the 787, 777 or A350.
Choose by workflow as well as range. Long-haul aircraft take more preparation, consume more system resources and can make time acceleration or mid-flight saving less predictable. Our long-haul airliner comparison covers the A330, 787, 747, A350 and 777 directly.
Which MSFS 2024 jetliner is best for beginners?
A bundled A320neo or A321LR is the best place for a beginner to start. Fly a short route, use the built-in checklist and learn one phase at a time: departure, climb, descent programming, approach and landing.
Moving straight into a 777 or 747 adds long setup times without teaching the basics any faster. Once Airbus mode annunciations make sense, move to the Fenix or A32NX; choose the bundled 737 MAX before a full-fidelity 737 if Boeing is your eventual goal.
Aircraft availability varies by simulator edition, so check our MSFS 2024 aircraft and edition list before buying an add-on that duplicates something you already own.
Do these jetliners work on Xbox and PlayStation 5?
Bundled jetliners work on every supported platform, but third-party aircraft require a release approved for that specific console. Fenix and FlyByWire depend on PC-only installation or companion components, so they are not Xbox or PlayStation 5 options.
On a console, use the in-simulator Marketplace and check both the MSFS 2024 label and platform compatibility on the aircraft listing. A PC version, or an aircraft that merely worked in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, does not guarantee an Xbox or PS5 build. Availability can also differ between variants from the same developer.
Why does a jetliner fail after installing it in MSFS 2024?
The usual causes are an outdated MSFS 2020 package, duplicate files, incompatible liveries or conflicting control assignments. These faults often look like aircraft bugs even when the base jetliner is working correctly.
- Black cockpit displays: first confirm that electrical power, batteries, external power or the APU are configured correctly. If the displays remain blank, update the aircraft and test without third-party liveries.
- Autopilot ignores the route: inspect the flight plan for discontinuities and confirm that LNAV, NAV or managed guidance is engaged rather than heading mode.
- Throttle jumps or fights autothrust: remove duplicate throttle-axis bindings and calibrate the detents inside the aircraft when that option is provided.
- Panels or controls behave unpredictably: remove the older package before installing a native MSFS 2024 build. Running duplicate versions is a common source of conflicts.
- The world-map route differs from the FMC: check the departure, arrival, runway and active leg inside the aircraft. Complex add-ons do not always reproduce the world-map plan exactly.