FSX First Choice Boeing 757

This carefully crafted freeware package offers a detailed Boeing 757 rendition with First Choice winglets and Thomson Airways markings, bringing authentic visual and operational elements to Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Developed by Joe Turner and Ben Thomson, in collaboration with Project Opensky, this release blends realism and performance for virtual pilots seeking to replicate real-world charter flights across transatlantic and European holiday destinations.

Airframe Details and Livery Highlights

The Boeing 757 is a narrow-body airliner well known for its fuel efficiency and medium-to-long range capabilities. In this variant, the addition of winglets increases aerodynamic performance, optimizing climb and cruise characteristics. The repainted exterior displays the distinctive Thomson Airways design, which originated from the merger of TUI Travel and First Choice Holidays, leading to a unified fleet. Even though much of the real-world fleet awaits full repainting, this package showcases the modern look, marked by a deeper fuselage blue and unique airline insignia.

Key Design Elements

• Extended Winglets: Enhance lift and help reduce drag across extended flight segments.
• RR Engines: Reflects the Rolls-Royce powerplant used on actual 757-200 models in service with Thomson Airways.
• Adaptable Flight Model: Balances realism and responsiveness for typical charter routes originating from many UK airports.

Real-World Operations

Thomson Airways is recognized as the world’s largest charter operator, developed through the partnership of Thomsonfly.com (formerly Britannia Airways) and First Choice Airways. The airline maintains a varied route network that spans Europe, North America, and beyond, typically deploying the 757 on popular leisure corridors. Plans include introducing new technology like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking a commitment to advanced fleet modernization.

In this repaint, the revised Thomson livery diverges from older “fly.com” branding and embraces a unified color scheme. The adaptation captured here features a newly redesigned upper fuselage and tail, presenting updated corporate identity elements reflective of TUI’s contemporary aesthetic.

Included Files and Installation

Complete Base Model:

Supplied by Project Opensky, fully integrated for straightforward aircraft folder placement.

Panel and Sounds:

Default Microsoft Flight Simulator X Boeing 737-800 panel and sound are applied by default. For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, edit the aircraft.cfg and direct the panel and sound to the default 737-400.

Effects Configuration:

Additional lighting and effect files reside in the included effects folder; copy contents to your simulator’s main Effects directory.

To install, simply extract the package into the SimObjects/airplanes folder within your main simulator directory. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X and look under the Boeing manufacturer, searching the 757-200W variant labeled “Thomson Airways.”

Development Credits

Special acknowledgement goes to the Project Opensky team for their impressive B757-200 model and comprehensive paint kit, which enabled this repaint. Recognition is also extended to their talented contributors for continuous support and advancements. Martin Wright deserves credit for the invaluable DXTBMP utility that has facilitated accurate texture handling during the creative process.