Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Brings iniBuilds A380 to PS5 with Free Xbox Anniversary Liveries

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has received two notable additions this week: the iniBuilds Airbus A380 is now available to PlayStation 5 players, and four free aircraft liveries have arrived to mark Xbox's 25th anniversary. Both updates were announced by the Microsoft Flight Simulator team on November 12, giving players new ways to customise and expand the simulation across its supported platforms.

The A380 release is the more substantial aircraft addition. It brings iniBuilds' detailed recreation of the world's largest passenger airliner to the PS5 version of the simulator, with an introductory discount for the first month. The anniversary liveries are a separate free update for owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on all platforms.

iniBuilds A380 now available on PS5

The iniBuilds A380 is available through the in-sim Marketplace in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Microsoft describes the aircraft as the world's largest passenger airliner and says it has been recreated with detailed systems and handling. The aircraft first entered commercial service in 2007, becoming larger than the Boeing 747 in both overall size and passenger capacity.

Microsoft's announcement notes that the A380 can carry as many as 853 passengers in an all-economy configuration. In a more typical mixed-class cabin, the aircraft generally carries between 500 and 600 passengers. Those figures provide context for the size of the aircraft and the kind of long-haul routes it is designed to operate.

The simulator's version has been created by iniBuilds for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The developer's work includes advanced fly-by-wire systems, flight-management functions and an automated flight deck. Microsoft says the model includes detailed systems and aircraft behaviour intended to reproduce the A380's handling across different phases of flight, from shorter repositioning trips to longer intercontinental journeys.

Simulation systems and electronic flight bag

The aircraft also includes an electronic flight bag, or EFB, which provides tools for configuring and managing a flight. In a modern airliner, this type of interface can bring planning and operational information into one place. Within the simulator, it gives players another way to interact with the aircraft's systems rather than treating the A380 as a simple model that can only be steered and accelerated.

Microsoft says the aircraft is designed to be accessible to a range of simulation players while retaining depth for those who want to spend time with its systems. That distinction matters because the A380 is a complex aircraft in real-world operation. A simulation can provide simplified entry points without removing the systems that make the aircraft interesting to experienced virtual pilots.

The A380's published performance figures include a maximum range of around 8,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 488 knots, equivalent to Mach 0.85 or roughly 903 kilometres per hour. These are real-world aircraft figures supplied in Microsoft's announcement, not a promise that every simulated route or flight condition will produce exactly the same result.

Introductory PS5 price

For PS5 players, Microsoft has set an introductory price of 194 Simverse Coins, which the announcement equates to US$48.49. The offer is available for the first month that the A380 is on sale. After that introductory period, the promotion will end, although Microsoft has not provided a later standard price in the announcement.

The add-on is sold through the in-sim Marketplace rather than as a separate full game. Players therefore need Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to use it. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, PS VR2, Steam and supported mobile devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming, although individual Marketplace products can have their own platform availability.

The announcement specifically confirms the A380's arrival for PS5 simmers. Players should check the Marketplace within their own version of the simulator to confirm the product listing, currency balance and final checkout details. Simverse Coins are the in-game currency used for Marketplace purchases, so the US dollar equivalent in the announcement may not match every regional payment option.

Four free Xbox 25th anniversary liveries

The second update celebrates the 25th anniversary of Xbox, which first launched in November 2001. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has added four commemorative liveries inspired by the original Xbox logo and colours. They are available now at no additional cost to owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 across all supported platforms.

The first livery is for the Boeing 737 MAX, bringing the anniversary design to a modern passenger jet. The XCub with wheels receives a more rugged look intended for bush-flying adventures. The collection also includes a Hot Air Balloon with a bright anniversary design and a Skyship 600 airship livery. Together, the four designs cover different types of aircraft and give players several ways to mark the occasion.

To use the liveries, players can select them from the Aircraft Livery menu in the simulator. Microsoft says they are free for owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and does not describe them as a limited-time offer. The announcement also does not say that players need an Xbox console to claim them; the liveries are available on all platforms where the 2024 edition is supported.

Two updates with different purposes

The A380 and anniversary liveries serve different parts of the simulation community. The A380 is a paid aircraft add-on, with a detailed flight deck and systems designed for players interested in operating a large commercial airliner. The anniversary liveries are cosmetic additions that can be used with aircraft already in the simulator. One expands the aircraft Marketplace, while the other gives existing owners a free set of designs.

The timing also connects the updates to a wider milestone for Xbox. The original console launched on November 15, 2001, and Microsoft's 25th anniversary celebrations have included new announcements across its gaming business. The Flight Simulator team has used the anniversary to add content that reflects the brand without changing the core simulation experience.

For PS5 players, the A380 is the more significant development because it expands the aircraft catalogue available in the console version. For existing players on any platform, the four anniversary liveries are a simple free addition. Both updates are available now according to the official announcements published on November 12.

What players should check

Anyone interested in the A380 should confirm that they are viewing the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Marketplace and that the aircraft is available in their regional store. The introductory price is listed as 194 Simverse Coins, with Microsoft giving US$48.49 as the equivalent. Since the discount is time-limited to the first month, the listed price may change after the introductory period.

Players who already own Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can look for the four Xbox anniversary designs in the Aircraft Livery menu. They do not need to buy the A380 to use those liveries, and the free designs are not restricted to PS5 or Xbox hardware. Microsoft's posts provide the definitive details on both updates, including the aircraft specifications, price and supported platforms.

Sources: Microsoft Flight Simulator: iniBuilds A380 arrives on PS5; Microsoft Flight Simulator: Xbox 25th anniversary liveries.