The “Catfish” is officially part of the family. FlightFX has announced that its rendition of the Italian twin-pusher is now an officially licensed product, bearing the formal title of the Piaggio P.180 Avanti II. While the aircraft has already made a name for itself in the community for its jet-like speeds and unique profile, this licensing milestone marks a shift from a “highly accurate tribute” to a manufacturer-backed simulation. For the flight sim community, this should translate to better access to reference materials and a long-term commitment to accuracy that only comes with an official partnership.
The most immediate news for pilots is the release date for the native Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 version. FlightFX confirms that the aircraft has completed active development and testing, with a scheduled launch this week on March 12.
FlightFX says the 2024 version takes full advantage of the new engine, while also introducing VAMS 2.0. This updated Virtual Aircraft Management System tablet is expected to offer deeper integration with the aircraft’s systems and the simulator’s new environmental features.
FlightFX has also confirmed a free upgrade path for existing users. If you already own the Avanti in MSFS 2020, you will be entitled to the 2024 version at no extra cost. Release price is $24.99 for new purchasers.
The developer did offer a small word of caution regarding the Marketplace mechanics. Because of how entitlements sync between the two simulator platforms, there might be a brief delay before the “free” status appears for everyone. The team recommends purchasing the aircraft in the simulator you intend to fly most frequently to avoid initial syncing hurdles.
A name change and a systems boost
The transition to an officially licensed product brings changes to the legacy version as well. Owners of the MSFS 2020 edition will see a branding update to reflect the official Piaggio P.180 Avanti II name. Beyond the labels, the developer is also pushing updates to the 2020 version to ensure it remains a viable high-performance turboprop for those who haven’t yet made the move to the new platform.
The core of the experience remains built around the Collins ProLine 21 avionics. By pairing this sophisticated glass cockpit with advanced flight and engine modeling, FlightFX says it is delivering a simulation that mirrors the real-world aircraft’s reputation for being a pilot’s airplane.
The Piaggio P.180 Avanti II occupies a unique space in the market, competing with light jets in terms of speed while retaining the efficiency of a turboprop. With official backing and a clear path into the next generation of flight simulation, it remains one of the more versatile and stylish choices for executive and utility flying. Definitely worth checking out this Thursday!
