Boeing is now using Microsoft’s $70 flight simulator game to train actual pilots — ‘Virtual Airplane’ is powered by MSFS, legitimizing my unhealthy gameplay hours

by

Boeing, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, recently announced a surprising new initiative. They will be using Microsoft Flight Simulator to train both current and future pilots, a detail confirmed in a press release and reported by PC Gamer. It was such an unexpected announcement that many, including myself, initially questioned its validity.

Although this new training platform uses technology from Microsoft Flight Simulator and Azure, it’s not simply the game itself. Based on how companies often describe these things, it probably has had some of the more typical gaming elements—like career and challenge modes—removed. This “Virtual Airplane” suggests Microsoft might be taking its flight simulator in a new and potentially exciting direction.

Originally favored by PC gamers and then Xbox players—especially with its availability on Game Pass—the detailed Boeing aircraft simulation is now expanding to computers and iPads, starting with the Boeing 737 MAX, and more models are planned. While already on PlayStation, a limited version is now also available on iOS devices.

“3D simulations in light-weight devices”

I probably won’t ever get to try Boeing’s new Virtual Airplane software firsthand, but it makes perfect sense that it’s built on Microsoft Flight Simulator. The game already does an amazing job of realistically recreating airplane cockpits, the planes themselves, and the entire world, so it’s a natural foundation to build upon.

Microsoft and Boeing are working together to improve pilot training and build confidence, always prioritizing safety. Our goal is to help the people who fly advance the future of aviation.

Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Mobility, Microsoft.

From what Boeing has said about their training tools, it seems this platform is essentially a view right from the cockpit of their 737 MAX planes. They don’t appear to need much beyond that from Microsoft’s simulator. I think it’s a clever idea to use this to help pilots learn the layout of the controls, especially with training programs running on laptops or tablets. It’s a bit of an unusual way to use a flight simulator game, but I actually like it.

Honestly, at least now I feel like all those hours I spent practicing with the buttons, yokes, and throttles weren’t a waste. I managed to scrape through the Microsoft Flight Simulator training, and that feels pretty good, even if it wasn’t by much!

What really excites me is the potential here. Microsoft’s Azure platform collects incredible global detail, and the team at Asobo Studio has brilliantly transformed that into a 3D world for the simulator. It makes me realize just how much depth the simulation genre offers. As someone who usually focuses on making these experiences accessible to newcomers, I’m constantly impressed by advancements like this and how far we can push the boundaries of the genre.

It feels right that real aerospace companies are now using Microsoft Flight Simulator for official training. That’s always been the dream of dedicated sim enthusiasts I’ve known, and I admire their passion.

You really should try Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It’s much more enjoyable than you might expect, even if you just use it to fly over familiar places. However, don’t get any ideas about actually piloting a real airplane afterward – I’m not liable if you try!

FAQs

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator free?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 aren’t free games. You can buy them for Xbox and PC, or play the newest version with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

How much does Microsoft Flight Simulator cost?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 costs $69.99, but is also available as part of an Xbox Game Pass subscription on consoles or PC Game Pass for computers. While it hasn’t been discounted on Steam yet, you can often find it for a lower price on sites like Loaded (formerly CDKeys).

Read More

2025-11-17 15:40