We recently discussed the teasers that hinted at Gaya Simulations‘ return to the independent market, and now the studio has made it official. After a long period primarily dedicated to their “first-party” partnership with Microsoft, contributing to the vast array of airports found in World Updates and the base simulator, Gaya Studios is back to consumer-facing development.
This announcement marks a big change for the team. While they confirm they are continuing their role as a “trusted development partner” for Microsoft, they are now re-establishing their own brand identity in the community with “premium airport scenery” sold directly to simmers.
A competitive return to the Mediterranean
The choice of LGKR Corfu International Airport as the flagship for this return is, in itself, quite ambitious. As many know, this destination is already well-covered in the simulator by other high-profile developers like FlyTampa. By selecting such a popular and already-represented location, Gaya Studios is effectively inviting a direct comparison with an established market leader.
To stand out, the studio says they are focusing heavily on “atmosphere” and “environmental detail.” The developers state that the goal was not just to recreate the airport infrastructure but to “capture the feeling of arriving in Corfu on a summer flight.” This aligns with the “pillars” they outlined in their announcement, which prioritize visual quality through handcrafted assets and specific attention to lighting.
The screenshots shared with the announcement back up these claims, particularly regarding landside details. The close-up shots of the “Street Food Cafe” and the terminal exterior show a high density of clutter and custom modeling that extends beyond the immediate apron. For simmers who enjoy scenery exploration or realistic turnarounds, these small details often make the difference between a sterile scenery and a lived-in environment.
The studio also notes that the project uses extensive real-world references to ensure accuracy in ground layouts and terminal architecture.
Vienna v2 is happening
Perhaps the biggest news for long-time followers of the studio is buried at the end of the announcement. Gaya Studios has confirmed that LOWW Vienna International Airport is planned to receive a “Version 2” update for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Vienna has been a frequent topic of discussion in community forums, with the current version showing its age against newer releases. A complete overhaul for MSFS 2024 addresses one of the most consistent requests from European flyers. While details are scarce, the confirmation alone resolves months of speculation about whether the key Austrian hub would ever get the attention it needs to meet modern standards.
What to expect next
Gaya Studios hasn’t dropped a release date for Corfu yet, but they have positioned it as a “premium scenery product” aimed at both short-haul airline ops and seasonal charters.
For now, this announcement serves as a statement of intent. The studio is looking to prove that their time working behind the curtains on Microsoft’s platform has sharpened their skills for the commercial market. We will be keeping a close eye on how this new rendition of Corfu measures up against the competition when more previews are released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
