FSX Sabena Airlines Airbus A319-112

This freeware package recreates the Sabena Airlines Airbus A319-112 in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It includes the high-fidelity Project Airbus base model, fully repainted by Marco Fischbach. Sabena was once the official Belgian airline, with operations spanning from 1923 to 2001. After insolvency, SN Brussels Airlines took over, eventually becoming today’s Brussels Airlines. This release pays homage to Sabena’s storied heritage while offering engaging technical features and authentic visual elements for simulation enthusiasts.

Heritage and Aircraft Context

Sabena Airlines played a defining role in Belgian aviation, utilizing Brussels Airport as its hub for numerous decades. Its Airbus A319 fleet served on popular routes before the airline ceased operations. The A319-112 model included in this package showcases modern narrow-body aircraft engineering and emphasizes operational efficiency. Enthusiasts eager to replicate mid-range European flights will appreciate the original Sabena livery applied here.

Key Points on Installation

Install by extracting the ZIP contents into your “SimObjects/Airplanes” folder within Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Additionally, transfer the included effects files into the main “Effects” directory. Ensure you have Service Pack 2 applied to your simulator for full compatibility.

Project Airbus Foundation

The well-known Project Airbus A319 platform underpins this package. It delivers an array of XML-driven animations and aircraft-specific behaviors designed to replicate real-world dynamics. A few highlights include:

• Pressurization Outflow Valve: Coordinates cabin pressures by venting surplus air on the ground below 30 knots.
• Ground Spoilers: Deploy automatically under certain speed and flight conditions for effective deceleration.
• Pack Outlets: Adapt to ambient temperature, showcasing realistic environmental control.
• Idle Reversers: Thrust reversers remain partially open briefly after disengagement; they engage fully on idle reverse thrust.
• Parallel Bogies: Found in specific A319 variants with the double-bogey system, ensuring accurate wheel animations.
• Dynamic Jetwash: Visible vortices behind active engines.
• Dropping Control Surfaces: Elevators and ailerons relax to a downward position when the aircraft is powered down.

Furthermore, users will discover opening passenger and cargo doors, double strobe beacons, adjustable navigation lights, realistic touchdown effects, polished metallic shine, and intuitive wing views. Gear retraction sequences have also been modeled to reflect actual Airbus procedures.

Doors & Accesses

L1 Door

Activate using “Shift + E” by default.

L2 Door & Cargo Hatches

Operate using the tail hook assignment if set, generally not mapped by default.

R1 and R2 Passenger Doors

Use wing fold/unfold commands, also requiring manual key bridging unless it’s already designated.

Development Contributions

By: Project Airbus Team, with special recognition to Marco Fischbach for the Sabena textures. Significant contributions include:

• Andy Warden – External model design
• Thomas Ruth – Virtual cockpit modeling and XML scripting
• Peter Binamira – Flight dynamics configuration and audio assets
• Demetris Themistocleous – Foundational textures and select liveries
• Alessandro Savarese – Base texture layouts
• John Tavendale, Derek Mayer – Assorted liveries
• Matthew Murray – Corporate design elements
• Gianmarco Bettiol, Nick Wu, Trevor Slack, Alexander Kvitta, David Bromwich – Feedback and refinement

Additional guest artists, testers, and advisors have also shaped this aircraft’s realism and visual authenticity:

• Ben Jones
• Dickson Chan
• Jaco du Preez
• Sheldon Fernandes
• Terence Pereira

Flight Dynamics Testing and Feedback were provided by:

• Capt. Manny Osias
• F/O Spike Acenas
• Mark Bolatete
• Kester Masias

Why This Sabena A319 Matters

This freeware release captures an important slice of Belgian aviation history through a meticulously detailed simulation of Sabena’s Airbus A319. Anyone interested in replicating authentic mid-size European routes will find this modeling and its integrated systems highly engaging. Moreover, it stands as a testament to collaboration across the Project Airbus community, with comprehensive flight dynamics and visual refinements delivered at no cost to fellow pilots and hobbyists seeking an iconic Belgian-based model for their virtual hangars.