iniBuilds has shared its latest scenery development update, outlining several major projects currently in development for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The update includes the first official look at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD), details on a free Version 2 upgrade for Dubai International Airport (OMDB), and the official reveal of a new multiple-jetway system.
Chicago O’Hare is coming from iniBuilds
The first headline announcement from the update is the first preview of Chicago O’Hare International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. As one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for both domestic and international traffic, O’Hare represents one of the most ambitious airport projects the team has undertaken.
According to iniBuilds, development has been underway for some time, with a dedicated research trip forming a key part of the project. A member of the scenery team visited Chicago earlier this year to gather hundreds of reference photographs from throughout the airport, covering terminal interiors, passenger areas, gate lounges, signage, lighting, and architectural details. These references are now being used to recreate the airport with a high degree of accuracy.
Particular attention is being paid to O’Hare’s interior spaces, including iconic areas such as Terminal 3’s Hall of Flags. iniBuilds says that accurately recreating these recognisable locations is an important part of capturing the atmosphere and identity of the airport.
Development progress has already advanced significantly, with work taking place across terminal exteriors, interiors, custom ground textures, signage, lighting systems, airport clutter, road networks, and optimisation. The team says maintaining strong performance remains a priority despite the sheer scale of the airport.
Dubai International Airport V2 Coming as a Free Upgrade
Alongside Chicago, iniBuilds has also confirmed that Dubai International Airport V2 is currently in development and will be provided as a free update to existing owners.
Rather than being a simple refresh, the update is described as a substantial rebuild designed to bring Dubai up to the standards of the studio’s latest generation of airport scenery. The redevelopment will include improvements to modelling, texturing, terminal interiors, airport infrastructure, and overall visual quality while taking advantage of the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 technologies.
Performance is also a major focus. iniBuilds says large portions of the airport are being rebuilt from the ground up, with reduced node counts, lower draw calls, improved level-of-detail workflows, and greater use of modern optimisation techniques. The goal is to deliver a noticeably smoother experience than the original version while simultaneously increasing visual fidelity.
The airport will also feature expanded interior modelling throughout areas that were previously inaccessible or less detailed, helping to further enhance immersion at one of the world’s busiest international gateways.
New Multiple-Jetway Technology Announced
Following on from the teaser earlier this week, iniBuilds final announcement is the reveal of a new multiple-jetway system being developed exclusively by iniBuilds.
The technology is designed to better represent real-world operations for larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777, which frequently utilise multiple passenger boarding bridges simultaneously at major airports.
Under the new system, compatible gates will be able to connect multiple jetways to a single aircraft at the same time, recreating the boarding and deboarding procedures seen at large international hubs. According to iniBuilds, this feature will debut at Chicago O’Hare and is expected to expand to both future and existing airports across its scenery catalogue.
The company also hinted that the technology will pair particularly well with its upcoming Airbus A380 project, offering a more authentic turnaround experience for operators of the superjumbo.
