MSFS aircraft

MSFS Airbus A320 Neo (A32NX) FlyByWire

FlyByWire’s A32NX refines the Airbus A320neo into a richly modeled airliner for Microsoft Flight Simulator, pairing a deep virtual cockpit with a full electronic flight bag, custom sound set, and streamlined SimBrief flight planning. The open-source package includes thorough documentation plus a paint kit for creating and sharing liveries.

4.5/5 (15) 20.7k downloads 🔥 Popular 2.61 GB Scanned clean
Flight Simulator 2020 Flight Simulator 2024
Adam McEnroe
Editor reviewed · Tested in-sim

Expert Overview

FlyByWire’s A32NX mod extensively upgrades the default A320 Neo in Microsoft Flight Simulator with open-source enhancements and added realism. Having tested it myself, I can confirm the standout features include a comprehensive in-cockpit electronic flight bag that streamlines performance calculations, deeply realistic custom sound sets, and seamless Simbrief integration. Regular updates from a dedicated community ensure the systems remain accurate and robust, elevating the overall flight experience for both casual and serious virtual pilots.

Beyond improved handling and systems, this mod offers a versatile paint kit for creating or customizing liveries, with hundreds of repaints already available and more in development. Guided by detailed documentation and backed by the GNU General Public License v3.0, the A32NX is a collaborative labor of love that showcases just how far a freeware project can push simulator realism. It is a must-have add-on that truly transforms the A320 Neo into a more authentic and enjoyable aircraft to fly.

This mod was installed, tested and reviewed by Adam McEnroe for Fly Away Simulation. Adam is an FS mod expert. Read his bio →

The FlyByWire Airbus A320 Neo A32NX is a complete freeware aircraft package for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, replacing the default-style A320neo experience with a deeper open-source simulation of Airbus systems, cockpit workflow, custom avionics, EFB tools, sounds, and ongoing stable-build updates from the FlyByWire development team.

The FlyByWire A32NX on ramp at gate in Microsoft Flight Simulator.This Fly Away Simulation release contains the full freeware base model of the FlyByWire A32NX, the well-known third-party Airbus A320neo project created by the FlyByWire team. It is built for the modern Microsoft Flight Simulator platform and now includes compatibility for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.

The real Airbus A320neo is one of the most widely used short- and medium-haul airliners in service, and the A32NX focuses on the cockpit logic that makes Airbus operation distinctive: managed modes, ECAM-driven abnormal handling, flight envelope protection, and a heavy reliance on the FMGC [Flight Management and Guidance Computer] rather than traditional “point-and-fly” autopilot behavior. FlyByWire’s version builds on that foundation with custom systems instead of simply leaning on the stock aircraft logic.

A deeper A320neo simulation from FlyByWire

The A32NX is not just a repaint or a minor panel edit. FlyByWire has rebuilt large parts of the aircraft around custom avionics, custom systems code, and a cockpit workflow aimed at sim pilots who want more procedural depth than the default A320neo provides.

  • Custom flyPad EFB [Electronic Flight Bag] with aircraft options, ground services, performance tools, payload and fuel handling, checklists, settings, and operational utilities presented on an in-cockpit tablet.
  • SimBrief integration for importing operational flight plan data, fuel and payload figures, and route information into the aircraft workflow.
  • Custom sound environment using aircraft-specific audio rather than relying entirely on the default Microsoft Flight Simulator sound set.
  • Custom Airbus avionics, including detailed work on the PFD [Primary Flight Display], ND [Navigation Display], MCDU [Multipurpose Control and Display Unit], EWD [Engine/Warning Display], SD [System Display], FCU [Flight Control Unit], and ECAM [Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor].
  • Open-source development under the GNU General Public License v3.0, allowing redistribution and modification within the terms of that license.
  • Stable edition package supplied here as a complete aircraft download for manual installation into the simulator Community folder.

MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 support

This package has been updated to include the version compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 while retaining support for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Recent FlyByWire release notes include changes specifically aimed at MSFS 2024 behavior, including lighting fixes, runway-spawn radio tuning, jetway and passenger stair handling, airport loading timing, and measures to reduce long simulator freezes in some MSFS 2024 scenarios.

Because the A32NX has its own systems depth, simulator-version compatibility matters. FlyByWire contributors have adjusted framework code, avionics behavior, and aircraft interaction logic so the aircraft remains usable across both simulator generations.

Recent systems and avionics work included in the stable build

The latest listed changes cover a broad range of A32NX systems. Rather than treating these as cosmetic tweaks, many updates affect how the aircraft behaves during normal line flying and edge-case operations.

Flight management and navigation

  • Approach via auto-selection has been added to the FMS [Flight Management System].
  • Approach, runway, and procedure handling has been refined, including sorting on MCDU pages and improved support for MSFS 2024 terminal-area database holds.
  • Fuel predictions have been corrected so FMS figures better match the engine model.
  • Automatic cruise temperature calculation now considers pilot-entered tropopause data and includes fixes on the INIT A page.
  • CR and FC leg geometry has been improved, along with handling of station declination [local magnetic variation for a navaid or fix] on relevant leg types.
  • AF, CD, and FD leg handling has been improved using proper DME [Distance Measuring Equipment] location data where available.
  • Rare airway-loading issues and temporary flight plan behavior have been corrected.

Displays, ECAM, and flight warnings

  • The ECAM control panel simulation has been made more realistic.
  • FWC [Flight Warning Computer] behavior now includes barometric reference and altitude discrepancy warnings.
  • IRS alignment-related faults and alignment timing have been refined.
  • Active warnings are no longer cleared incorrectly when entering an inhibited flight phase.
  • Warnings such as BAT 1/2 OFF, A/THR LIMITED, FCU faults, overspeed, gear-not-down logic, and altitude alerting have received targeted updates.
  • PFD indications now include items such as CHECK ALT messaging and improved altitude alert logic.
  • ND rendering fixes include terrain display behavior, range and mode font sizing, TAS/GS/wind source switching, and memory leak correction when using TERR ON ND.

Autoflight, flight controls, and handling

  • Managed vertical mode support has been expanded with a new vertical profile validity LVar [local simulator variable].
  • Simulated FCU and FMGC computers have been implemented in the A32NX development stream.
  • Autoland and crosswind behavior have received tuning in previous stable updates.
  • NAV-on-go-around capability has been added in the autoflight logic.
  • Flight control work includes changes to yaw damping, flare law, roll response, ground spoiler behavior, and approach pitch trim.
  • Speedbrake handle animation and knob interaction behavior have been improved for more natural cockpit use.

Aircraft systems and ground operation

  • ADIRU [Air Data/Inertial Reference Unit] logic includes quick realign, enhanced alignment timing, excess-motion faults, and outside-latitude-limit faults beyond 82 degrees north or south.
  • Accurate altimetry computations have been implemented in the ADR [Air Data Reference] model.
  • Electrical system startup behavior and fuel pump power consumption have been improved in the shared systems code.
  • Brake temperature simulation has been replaced with a physics-based brake model.
  • Ground power handling has been improved for more convincing ramp operation.
  • External power availability synchronization has been added for supported ground-service workflows.

flyPad, performance tools, and connected operations

The flyPad is one of the more useful parts of the A32NX in day-to-day flying. It provides cockpit-based access to configuration, aircraft states, weight and balance, fuel, performance calculations, checklists, and support pages. Recent updates include improvements to takeoff and landing performance calculators, troubleshooting information, status labels, settings-page overflow handling, and clearer unit behavior.

Release notes also list updates to Hoppie ACARS handling, ATSU behavior, and METAR source selection. These features are particularly useful for pilots flying online-style procedures or longer sectors where datalink-style interaction, weather planning, and flight plan consistency matter.

Model, cockpit interaction, and presentation

FlyByWire’s A320neo also includes continued 3D model and cockpit usability work. Recent changes include fixes for MSFS 2024 lighting, smoother speedbrake animation, corrected FCU decal appearance, mouse-drag support for knobs in lock mode, and fixes for knobs snapping back at maximum values. Earlier development work added refinements such as cockpit lighting changes, model and texture improvements, folding armrests, windshield wipers, wheel chocks, safety cones, and improved flight deck geometry.

The Virtual Reality camera position has also been adjusted, which helps VR users start from a more practical default viewpoint in the cockpit.

Developers and contributors

The aircraft is developed by FlyByWire as an open-source freeware project. The release notes credit a large contributor group, including tracernz / Mike, lukecologne / Luke, BlueberryKing, heclak, Frank Kopp, Andreas Guther, Benjamin Dupont, Jonathan / Jonny23787, Lucas / Lucas-IQ21, Fragtality, Gurgel100 / Pascal, Crocket63, Maximilian Reuter / chaoz, bruno_pt99, Nufflee, 2Cas, Benedict Etzel, Miquel Juhe, and many other named contributors across avionics, systems, model, sounds, performance tools, and simulator integration.

Liveries, repaint support, and included paint kit

This download includes the default FlyByWire repaint supplied with the base A32NX package. The aircraft has extensive repaint support, and additional liveries may be made available separately through the Fly Away Simulation file library when developers submit compatible packages.

A paint kit is included for users who want to create their own A32NX liveries. The paint kit included with this package was developed by skoy21, who permits upload with proper credit. After creating a repaint, users may need to follow the FlyByWire livery conversion process for correct compatibility with the aircraft package.

Manual installation into the Community folder

To install this Fly Away Simulation package, extract the downloaded ZIP archive and copy the following folder into your Microsoft Flight Simulator Community folder:

flybywire-aircraft-a320-neo

After copying the folder, start the simulator and select the FlyByWire A32NX from the aircraft selection menu. If you are replacing an older manual installation, remove the previous flybywire-aircraft-a320-neo folder first to avoid duplicate or mixed files.

Freeware license

The FlyByWire A32NX is released as freeware under the GNU General Public License v3.0. That license permits redistribution and modification under its stated terms. This Fly Away Simulation download is provided as a complete freeware aircraft package with the base model included.

Ready to download Airbus A320 Neo (A32NX) FlyByWire?

Free for all simmers · 2.61 GB · Scanned clean

File information

Filename
a320-a32nx-flybywire-freeware.zip
File size
2.61 GB
Virus scan
Clean (scanned with ClamAV)
Access
Freeware
Content rating
Everyone

Download speed: Free tier is capped at 2 Mbps (this file takes approximately 3h 7m at the cap). PRO members download at full line speed.

How to install this mod

MSFS aircraft
  1. Extract the downloaded archive

    Use 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR to extract the ZIP to a temporary folder. Don't install while still zipped — the simulator can't read inside ZIP files.
  2. Locate your MSFS Community folder

    All MSFS add-ons live in the Community folder. Microsoft Store / Game Pass version: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community\. Steam version: %APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages\Community\. Tip: enable Developer Mode in MSFS to see your exact Community folder path.
  3. Copy the aircraft package into Community

    Drag the extracted aircraft folder into your Community folder. Some aircraft require dependencies (like Working Title CJ4, FlyByWire A32NX) — check the readme.
  4. Restart MSFS

    Close MSFS completely and relaunch. The new content appears in the Content Manager, on the World Map, or in the aircraft/livery selector.
  5. Always read the included readme

    Every mod ships with a readme.txt or README file. It tells you exactly where files go, what dependencies are needed, and any quirks specific to this add-on.

6 comments

Read what other simmers think, or add your own.

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Comments below are opinions of individual posters and don’t always reflect Fly Away Simulation’s views. Every comment is manually moderated before publication.
  1. Berttango PRO

    Tried copying the folder as mentioned (community folder) but I keep getting an error message that the path is too long. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Link
  2. Berttango PRO

    I was able to get the file copied.

    However, it looks the same as the default Asobo; no EFB, or anything else. What am I doing wrong?

    Link
  3. Francis Johnson

    I download the a320-neo(A32NX), and installed as directed to my Community Folder.

    After starting the sim, I selected the just installed A32NX, it is invisible, no cockpit, no external views. What is the problem? Thanks

    Link
  4. drefla07 PRO

    Hi, I bought an Airbus A320nx on Flyaway, problem, after booting up, when I select fly now it freezes and gets dark on display, is there anything that can be done? other aircraft in the sim is ok.

    Link
  5. MARTYJAX PRO

    It's nice to know that there are other aircraft that we can load in FS2020.

    Link

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