Over the weekend, Aerosoft held their own private event called NextSim, which focused on a range of products coming from the software development company. Part of the live stream saw Mathijs Kok join to discuss the current pipeline of projects coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator. The stream primarily focused on the upcoming CRJ from Aerosoft, but there was also some discussion about future projects currently in development.
Mathijs said that the CRJ is the “first complex aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator from a third party” and reassured the community that this is a completely new build of the aircraft. It’s also worth noting that it is confirmed that the aircraft package will include the 700, 900 and 1000 models .The modelling we see in the video is totally new and not a port from the Prepar3D version. Since the Summer of 2019, Aerosoft has worked closely with Microsoft and Asobo Studios to support the aircraft development and also the SDK. In fact, Mathijs commented saying that both Microsoft and Asobo have been “incredible” and that they are normally just a phone call away when they have an issue.
When it comes to release dates for the CRJ, Mathijs was rather coy about revealing too much, but did comment saying that the “CRJ must be this year”, but did reiterate that this was the hope more than a promise to the community.
As for the future, it was reconfirmed that the Twin Otter is next to be released for Microsoft Flight Simulator, with the Airbus series (A319 / A320 / A321 and the A330) also in development. However, the Twin Otter is further along than the Airbus series. During the extensive interview, it is also confirmed that the aircraft production team has increased in size so that Aerosoft can produce two aircraft in parallel. In total, Mathijs views these aircraft development projects to be at least 2.5 years worth of work so don’t hold your breath for these aircraft any time soon.
You can watch the full interview in the video above. In related news, Aerosoft did release Paderborn Airport free of charge for Microsoft Flight Simulator.