BlueBird Simulations is back with another development update on their highly awaited Boeing 757 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The team says they’ve made “a lot of progress” since FSExpo and are now gearing up for the next major phase of development: beta testing!
Systems taking shape
The standout in this update is the pneumatics system, which the developers describe as “absolutely amazing” and on “a new level of detail.” Alongside that, the LNAV and VNAV logic is reportedly around 70% complete, while other areas such as doors, oxygen, and landing gear systems are already functioning at a high level.
Circuit breakers are another area of focus for the developer. At this stage, 153 of them are working, with the target set at over 200 functional breakers by release. BlueBird says more in-depth looks at these systems will come in their next YouTube video, planned for Q4 of this year.
Beta finally on the horizon
Beta testing has been a recurring talking point in past updates, but this time BlueBird says they’re “approaching the first stage in the next few weeks.” The long delay came down to the pneumatics system, which apparently took much longer than expected. The team notes that while this was in development, other systems originally scheduled for later testing were completed early.
The EFB is the big system still outstanding, and it will get the spotlight in BlueBird’s final pre-release video.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Interestingly, all the screenshots shared this week are from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. BlueBird confirms they’ve begun testing in the new platform and hope to offer a compatible (but not yet native) version of the 757 for MSFS 2024 at or shortly after release. A fully native 2024 build will come later.
Pricing recap
The pricing remains unchanged: $80 USD for the full package, covering both the 757-200 and 757-300 with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney engine options. The purchase also includes entitlement for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
In the end, despite vowing not to make release predictions, BlueBird slipped in one anyway: the 757 will land ‘before GTA6,’ which is set for May 2026. It’s not quite a release date, but it’s the closest we’ll get for now.
