The team at iniBuilds has issued a substantial update for its A350 Airliner add-on, compatible with both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Version 1.1.7 focuses primarily on improving performance, refining sound and cabin systems, and streamlining profile-related assets.
Performance
The update places a strong emphasis on performance gains, especially for users with mid-range or older hardware. Among the changes is a revamped cabin that should mean users won’t need to use the “no cabin” option, helping to reduce CPU and memory load. The no cabin option does remain for those really wanting to use it. Textures have been optimised with lower-resolution versions that reportedly maintain visual fidelity while decreasing load. Node counts across the model have been reduced by several thousand, with motion- and bone-based systems (such as wing-flex) being slimmed down by more than 50 %.
These optimisations are designed to reduce main-thread overhead and transition stutters between LODs. Test results cited show notable improvements in framerate consistency and frame-time stability (1% and 0.2% lows) on MSFS 2024. In fact, iniBuilds is citing a nearly 20% FPS performance (on average) improvement when compared to the previous build. iniBuilds are suggesting if you struggled with performance before, you should feel a huge difference now.
All of these changes were not just beneficial for the performance, but the overall quality of the product has been enhanced too. Wingflex is now more realistic and smooth as a result.
In addition to performance, the update introduces refined audio across engine, ambient, cabin and external systems. The update credits Echo19 Audio for contributing to the sound overhaul which includes more realistic engine buzz, improved internal/external mixing, and better spatialisation of cockpit- and cabin-sound cues.
Version 1.1.7 also brings a long list of systems fixes, profile updates and art adjustments. These include corrections to FLS logic after new destination insertion, VNAV path smoothing, step climb ETA calculation, ECAM logic fixes, ACARS enhancements and more. On the art side, fixes include tail aerodynamic behaviour (without hydraulics), correct mirror jetway animation, and correct spoiler droop representation. The terrain database download capability has also been added: users can now download the terrain database locally to the aircraft’s install folder, which benefits those with limited internet or slower connections.
Because of all the changes, liveries and livery packs must now be updated for compatibility, as older versions may result in missing exterior components.
The new update can be obtained directly through the iniManager. If you don’t already own the A350 Airliner, now is a great time to jump in, as it’s available as part of Black Friday sales, giving you an extra 35% off. It’s now just £46.79 GBP (excluding tax) for a limited time. You can read more about the update on the forums.
Correction: FSElite incorrectly said the no cabin option was removed. We apologise for this mistake and edited the article accordingly.
