Microsoft Flight Simulator includes aircraft at no extra cost. Learn what comes with each edition, what freeware means and how PC users can add more.
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 include a fleet of flyable aircraft at no extra charge beyond access to the simulator. The exact fleet depends on the edition you own. PC users can also install third-party freeware aircraft; console users are limited to compatible content distributed through the simulator.
What does “free aircraft” mean in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Free aircraft can mean an aircraft bundled with your edition, a zero-priced in-simulator package, or third-party freeware. These are not quite the same thing.
| Aircraft type | What you pay | How you obtain it | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included aircraft | Bundled with the edition you own | Installed or streamed through the simulator | PC and Xbox; MSFS 2024 also supports PS5 |
| Free in-simulator content | No separate charge, though access to the simulator is required | Claimed or installed through the in-simulator library or Marketplace | Only on platforms where that package is offered |
| Third-party freeware | No purchase price; the author’s licence still applies | Downloaded and installed manually | PC |
The simulator itself is not automatically free simply because aircraft are included. Our explanation of purchase and subscription access covers that distinction. Aircraft supplied through a subscription remain available only while the relevant simulator access and account entitlement remain active.
Which aircraft come with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Every edition includes a base fleet, while higher-priced editions add aircraft and airports. The edition names and fleets differ between Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and free simulator updates can add more content.
For the older release, our edition-by-edition breakdown of the MSFS 2020 fleet identifies the aircraft supplied with Standard, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe access. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available only on PC and Xbox; it was never released for PlayStation.
An included aircraft should not require a separate aircraft purchase, but its content package may still need to be installed, claimed or streamed. Owning a base edition also does not grant aircraft reserved for a higher edition.
Can you download more free aircraft?
PC users can add freeware aircraft to both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, provided the package supports the chosen simulator. You can find suitable freeware aircraft downloads and compatibility guidance before installing anything.
Do not assume that an MSFS 2020 package will work correctly in MSFS 2024. Compatibility depends on the aircraft and its developer. Some downloads are only liveries, cockpit modifications or flight-model changes and require the original aircraft to be installed.
Manual add-ons normally belong in the PC Community folder; our aircraft installation and folder troubleshooting instructions cover the process. Xbox users, and PS5 users of MSFS 2024, cannot install aircraft downloaded from the web into a Community folder. They must use compatible content offered inside the simulator.
Why is a free aircraft missing?
A missing aircraft usually has the wrong version, an uninstalled dependency, a hidden selector filter or an incorrectly nested PC package.
- Check what the download contains. A livery or modification will appear under its required base aircraft rather than as a separate model.
- Confirm version and platform support. Match the package to MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024, and remember that manually downloaded freeware is for PC.
- Verify your entitlement. Aircraft tied to a particular edition or account will not appear under a different account or lower edition.
- Inspect the content library. Make sure the aircraft package and any dependencies are installed or available for streaming, then restart the simulator after changes.
- Clear aircraft-selection filters. Role, manufacturer, favourites and search filters can hide an aircraft that is installed correctly.
- Check the PC folder structure. Extra wrapper folders can prevent the simulator from recognising a Community package. Extract the actual package rather than placing the unopened archive in the folder.
Paid aircraft remain optional. The aircraft bundled with your edition are enough to fly without buying another model, while freeware and commercial add-ons simply expand the available fleet.