Why would a small island in the Indian Ocean be of interest to the average simmer? For years, pilots flying heavy metal like the 777 or A350 have had decent options for Mauritius and the Seychelles. However, the third corner of this “Mascarene Triangle”, Réunion, was still missing a proper third-party rendition. It seemed obvious that FSDG would eventually fill this gap, given their focus on holiday destinations and their existing work on the nearby islands. They took their time seizing the opportunity, but in the end, they didn’t let it slip.
We now have a payware rendition of Reunion that effectively completes a strategic flight network. This allows for realistic “island hopping” operations between these three hubs, often flown by Air Austral, while providing a critical destination for French virtual airlines. Remember that this is technically a domestic flight from Paris, making it one of the longest domestic routes in the world and a staple for anyone simulating long-haul Air France operations.
A unique approach in the Indian Ocean
While comparisons to Hawaii are common due to the volcanic terrain, Réunion has a distinct identity that offers a very specific challenge for simmers. The airport, Roland Garros International (FMEE), sits on the northern coastline, wedged between the deep blue waters and the steep rise of the island’s interior mountains.
This isn’t just a flat tropical runway. The terrain rises aggressively inland towards the Piton des Neiges and the active Piton de la Fournaise. This topography creates localized weather patterns and turbulence that can make approaches interesting, especially when the trade winds kick up. It provides a stark contrast to the flatter coral atolls found elsewhere in the region.
Full detail, not “Lite”
FSDG has recently experimented with a “Lite” product line for budget-conscious simmers, but it is important to clarify that Reunion is a full-featured release.
The developer says this version includes the recently extended passenger terminal, complete with a full 3D interior. This is a crucial detail for a modern payware airport, especially one that serves as a major long-haul terminus. You spend a lot of time at the gate during turnaround, so having a modeled terminal adds significantly to the immersion.
FSDG also claims to have updated the ground layout to reflect the current real-world status of the airport.
In terms of performance, and based on FSDG’s track record with sceneries like Mauritius and Rhodes, the community generally expects a “performance-first” approach. They rarely push texture resolution to the absolute breaking point, opting instead for a balance that keeps frame rates smooth. Obviously, being in the middle of the ocean also helps greatly has the sim doesn’t have so much to render, so expect smooth frames arriving at Reunion with your high fidelity A350 or 777.
This scenery is available now through the FSDG store for €19.99.
Features:
- Accurate rendition of Roland Garros International Airport, Reunion (FMEE)
- Updated ground layout and new terminal extension with 3D interior
- Realistic light environment and detailed modeling
- MSFS technologies (dynamic lighting, reflective textures and more)
- Optimized for great performance and visual quality
- Compatible with all known add-ons including GSX
