FSX Air Arabia Maroc A320-214

This free add-on package includes a high-fidelity rendition of the Air Arabia Maroc A320-214, painted meticulously by Mohammed Al-Khalifa. It showcases the airline’s distinctive livery on a complete and standalone Project Airbus base model. Air Arabia Maroc, a low-cost carrier based in Morocco, frequently deploys the Airbus A320 for efficient short-to-medium-haul operations. This mod supplies 32-bit liveries and delivers a realistic representation of the actual aircraft, with every texture carefully detailed.

Visual Preview

Origins And Background

The team behind this model is Project Airbus, a group formed during the pinnacle of flight simulation innovation. In early 2002, two key collaborators—Thomas Ruth and Trevor Slack—brought the concept to life, aiming to reproduce Airbus aircraft with an unrivaled level of detail. Over time, the collective grew as more enthusiasts, such as Nicholas Wu and many others, contributed technical insights and additional painting expertise.

Initially, their A300 achieved substantial success, incorporating groundbreaking features that brought a novel level of authenticity. Project Airbus then turned its focus to the A320, releasing an early version that garnered wide acclaim for its accuracy and innovative features. After a brief intermission, the group revitalized its progress, culminating in the release of an enhanced A320 that continues to impress flight simulation aficionados worldwide.

Notes On Compatibility

This particular model was originally tested for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 (A Century of Flight). At the time of the group’s initial release, there were no announcements regarding official FSX compatibility. However, many simmers have chosen to fly it in FSX with success. Ensure that you have all relevant service packs and patches installed if you plan to try it under different variants of the simulator.

Key Technical Features

• Detailed Cabin Pressurization: The outflow valve automatically moderates internal pressure, remaining open during ground operations below approximately 30 knots.
• Ground Spoilers: Faithfully modeled to deploy upon landing and retract when airborne, enhancing realism.
• Pack Outlets: The air conditioning outlets modulate their positions based on ambient temperature.
• Idle Reverse Dynamics: Reversers temporarily stay open following disengagement, offering a more lifelike swirl of engine thrust.
• Parallel Bogies (When Applicable): Double-bogey gear configurations, used by some airlines, pivot accurately for taxi and landing.
• Visible Jetwash: Engine thrust is clearly indicated by exhaust effects.
• Elevator and Aileron Droop: Surfaces drop noticeably after engine shutdown, reflecting real-world hydraulic bleed-off.

Beyond these advanced XML-controlled capabilities, additional highlights include opening passenger and cargo entrances, dynamic reflective surfaces, convincing wing views, and meticulously animated landing gear mechanisms.

Door Operations

L1

Shift + E

L2 and Cargo Doors

Tail hook function (unassigned by default)

R1 and R2

Wing fold (unassigned by default)

Installation Steps

1. Extract the compressed download contents directly into your “Flight Simulator 9/Aircraft” folder.
2. Locate the “Effects” folder within this package and place its files into your main “Flight Simulator 9/Effects” directory.
3. Double-check that all textures and model files aligned properly in your chosen simulator’s Aircraft folder.

Project Airbus Development Team And Contributors

Core members and contributors, past and present, include:

• External Model Design: Andy Warden
• Virtual Cockpit Creation & XML Coding: Thomas Ruth
• Flight Dynamics & Sounds: Peter Binamira
• Base Textures & Liveries: Demetris Themistocleous
• Base Textures: Alessandro Savarese
• Additional Liveries: John Tavendale, Derek Mayer
• Corporate Design & Organization: Matthew Murray
• Imagery & Feedback: Gianmarco Bettiol, Nick Wu, Trevor Slack, Alexander Kvitta, David Bromwich

The group also thanks guest painters who assisted in expanding the texture options, as well as flight professionals—including Capt. Manny Osias, F/O Spike Acenas, and others—for aiding with real-world performance testing.

Repaint created by Mohammed Al-Khalifa, courtesy of Project Airbus. This package is freeware and remains a favorite among sim pilots looking to experience Air Arabia Maroc’s operational style on the classic Airbus A320 platform.

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