Microsoft Flight Simulator has, through first and third party developers, picked up a gargantuan array of aircraft options. From complex airliners and military types to helicopters and bush planes. We’ve got exotic prototypes and some of the best known and most flown airplanes in the world. That said, we can always wish for just a few more and I’ve compiled a list of types that I’d love to see some day.
Rules of the list
The aircraft I’ve picked are not yet part of Microsoft Flight Simulator either by any third party or first party developer to the best of my knowledge. Some on the list may be in development (and I know a few are) but aren’t yet available for purchase and don’t appear to be imminently arriving. One or two of them may end up being a challenge to reproduce for licensing or other reasons but this is a wish list and not necessarily a practical list. So let’s do this!
The wishlist
Boeing 737 Original
The Boeing 737 is such an iconic airplane and its one that stretches back decades and through multiple generations of aircraft. The one that I’d really like to see is the Boeing 737 original series. The -100 and -200 are the classics of the series, and, of the two, I think the -200 would be my preference in part because approximately 50 of the type are still in active duty service in 2024. Case in point, C-GNLK, a 737-200 used by Nolinor in Canada, holds the distinction of being the oldest in service and at time of writing it had just flown on a flight between Yellowknife and Edmonton.
This classic 737 is also interesting because many of them have been modified with “gravel kit” enabling them to land on semi-prepared air strips in remote areas. Some are also in the combi configuration these days with mixed cargo and passenger accommodations. All of this sounds immensely fun to fly in the world of MSFS 2024!
At least one developer, Blackbird Simulations (previously Milviz), is reportedly working on one though it doesn’t seem to be on their imminently releasing radar at the moment with other projects getting the priority.
de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
Microsoft Flight Simulator has collected a good number of de Havilland Canada designed airplanes. The DHC-2 Beaver is one my favourite aircraft available in the sim as a default airplane. We also have the DHC-4 Caribou and DHC-6 Twin Otter. How about the original Otter or the Turbo Otter?
The DHC-3 Otter was essentially an enlarged Beaver operating in the same role but with an overall larger size and capacity. The Otter is a workhorse and one with both a long history flying in civil and military aviation. Many still fly and the Turbo Otter, equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turbo prop, is a mainstay of many seaplane based commuter air services around the world.
I’m not aware of anyone working on an Otter for MSFS but I’d welcome one!
Leonardo AW139
This helicopter seems like a good match with all of the mission based opportunities in Microsoft Flight Simulator. The AW139 and variants specific to different services fly for the Italian Coast Guard, air ambulance services, tour operators, VIP transport services, and more. With 1,100 produced so far since it first flew in 2001, this seems like a popular helicopter that isn’t yet available to us in MSFS.
Dassault Falcon 7X/8X
When it comes to flying in style the Dassault business jets offer an intriguing mix as both luxury transport but also aircraft with some military inspired performance and pedigree. Reportedly the 7X and 8X business jets have superb handling and that they share more than a bit of their overall control scheme and software with that developed for the Rafael fighter jet. That may be mostly marketing spin from Dassault but it’s enough to make me want to fly this business jet as one that may offer a bit of spice to the luxury business jet flights in sim.
With a Mach 0.9 speed rating and 11,945 kilometer range, they can also do unbelievably long hops or very fast hops if you want to do that sort of thing.
I’d love to see a Dassault Falcon of some sort make its way into MSFS!
de Havilland Canada Dash 8
Coming in at number one, the most anticipated airplane on my wishlist is a Dash 8. This twin engine turbo propeller airliner is among the aircraft that I’ve most wanted to fly since I embarked on learning airliner operations a couple of years back.
The Dash 8 is a heavily used commuter airliner, similar in overall configuration to the ATR that we have in the sim, but with greater speed, capability and capacity in the larger variants. Of all of the variants, I think I’d prefer the Q400 due to its modern day operation, but I’d be happy with any of them right down to the short Dash 8-100. Short flights, relatively high speed, and worldwide operations make this one my most desired airliner and number one on this list.
There is a developer working on a Dash 8 but with sporadic updates it’s unclear if or when it might arrive. Hopefully soon!
How about you?
What’s an aircraft that you’re really hoping comes to Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024 and beyond?
Stormbirds 
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Leave a comment