It’s been a quiet few weeks from PMDG, but Robert Randazzo is back, and with him comes one of those lengthy updates that touches on everything going on behind the scenes at PMDG. In there, though, are some meaningful developments for two of PMDG’s current biggest projects: the 737 NG conversion for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and the upcoming 747.
The 737 NG marches into MSFS 2024
Let’s start with the airplane most of us have been waiting to see in MSFS 2024: the 737 NG. Randazzo confirmed that the 737-800 is now in the hands of beta testers, moving from active development into what he calls “fitness and cleanup.”
No release date yet (Randazzo was very clear about not giving timelines), but the shift in focus suggests the finish line is at least visible. Once the -800 is ready, the team will move quickly through the rest of the family: first the -700, then the -900, and finally the -600. PMDG is deliberately keeping attention centered on the -800 to avoid splitting resources, which makes sense given how central that variant is to most simmers’ fleets.
A glimpse at the 747
The other major highlight is a sneak peek at the 747. Randazzo shared an early render of the landing gear, and while it’s missing some pieces (proper texturing, grime, etc), it’s already showing off the kind of detail PMDG has become known for.
Don’t expect full previews just yet. Most of the team is still tied up with the 737 rollout, but the message here is that the 747 is alive and moving forward, and the detail work is already reaching a level that Randazzo himself described as “fantastic.”
Other bits worth noting
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Randazzo post without a few tangents and extra nuggets:
- 777 users are on Build 130 if purchased via PMDG.com and Build 121 if on the Marketplace. A new update is on the way for both platforms.
- A texture corruption issue is affecting Marketplace installations of the 777 in MSFS 2024, causing odd visual glitches. The odd fix? Replacing the tires via the FMS or tablet seems to clear it, at least until a permanent solution is found.
- The long-teased sound package overhaul is almost here. Starting with the 777-300ER, 777F, and 777-200LR, the new audio environment is based on hundreds of hours of studio-grade recordings and mixing. Randazzo says it’s a much more faithful cockpit and cabin experience than what you typically hear in YouTube videos. Once complete, the 737 will be next in line for the upgrade.
Randazzo wrapped things up with the promise of a busy 6–9 months ahead for PMDG, as the team returns from summer breaks and resets for the winter development cycle.
You can read the full post and Randazzo’s trademark storytelling over on the PMDG forums.
