Developer and Publisher Just Flight recently published a development update highlighting progress they’ve made on the Avro RJ Series of Regional Airliners for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Avro International Aerospace was founded by British Aerospace (BAe) as a joint venture with Taiwan Aerospace Corporation. The plan was to consolidate domestic production of the BAe-146 jets into one facility at Woodford Aerodrome near Manchester, while opening a second production line in Taiwan. Despite financing efforts for the Taiwan facility falling through, the cost savings from closing the second production line in Hatfield enabled Avro to continue production.
The Avro RJ series came in 3 variants- the 70, 85, and 100, corresponding to the 146-100, 200, and 300, respectively. The jets featured several key improvements over the 146 series- including new higher-thrust engines with FADEC and a glass cockpit similar to the 737 classic airliners.
Just Flight originally started the 146 Professional Project for X-Plane, adapted the product to MSFS, and then released a free, comprehensive refresh of the product in April based on positive feedback from the community.
This development update is mainly focused on progress made in the cabin experience.
According to Just Flight, the RJ’s cabin is a stark contrast to the BAe-146’s. Grey leather seats (pictured below) give the cabin a completely different feel compared to the 80’s style fabric seats found in the 146.
The cabin updates are more than skin-deep, though. The RJ’s refreshed interior features modernized (by 90s standards) attendant panels, cabin controls, a new handset communication system, and even a “study level” coffee maker.
For those wishing to focus their attention on flying the airplane, Just Flight has introduced an “Auto Cabin Crew” option which simulates a typical service schedule. Pilots will hear noises, chimes, and coffee brewing as they make their way through a sector. During a flight, you’ll even be able to peek into the cabin through a window in the cockpit door.
Of course, the cabin can be made entirely invisible to increase performance via a reduction in VRAM usage.
Just Flight concluded the update mentioning that the airliner is “effectively feature complete” and beginning to enter the polishing phase. However, no timelines for release or pricing information were provided.
To read the full development update from Just Flight, click the link here.
