FS2004 1980's Midwest Express Airlines DC-9-30 V2

This freeware repaint showcases the classic Midwest Express Airlines livery from the 1980s, specifically created for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. It captures the airline's sophisticated style from its early days when it delivered attentive onboard service and savory baked cookies to its passengers.

Background on the Historical Livery

Originally operating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Midwest Express Airlines evolved into a noteworthy carrier known for its business-class seating configuration offered at economy fares. Established as a branch of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, it soon expanded into Washington, D.C. and beyond. The 1980s color scheme featured on this Douglas DC-9-30 (a short-to-medium range narrow-body jet from McDonnell Douglas) reflects the airline’s intent to provide a distinctive travel experience under the slogan, "The Best Care in the Air." This meticulous repaint, courtesy of Sheppard Avery, replicates the timeless blue and gray fuselage layout along with night-illumination textures for after-hours operations.

Technical Insight and Installation

The repaint includes only the texture files for the AI Aardvark DC-9-30 model (developed by AI Aardvark). This add-on does not contain the original base package, so you will need to download the freeware model from the Fly Away Simulation library. Once acquired, simply place each texture folder into the corresponding aircraft directory. Then, modify the aircraft.cfg file by adding the provided texture entries, ensuring they align with the correct model variant.

Key Features

• Authentically layered 1980s Midwest Express paintwork for both daytime and nighttime visuals
• Accurate fuselage detail reflecting the airline’s original corporate design
• Realistic window alignment with correct cabin door placements
• Optimized for AI traffic, enhancing airport realism in your simulator

With these textures applied, you can immerse yourself in historic operations over hubs such as Milwaukee, Omaha, and Kansas City. Although it has since rebranded to Midwest Airlines, this livery stands as a tribute to the airline’s beginnings when it offered a premium travel experience at competitive fares. The visual transformation will bring a touch of nostalgia for enthusiasts who remember the DC-9 family’s impact on domestic air travel.