In a surprising announcement over on the Orbx forums, a new version of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL) is in development. This rendition comes from famed developer Matteo Veneziani, who is known for his Sacramento (KSMF), Burbank Hollywood (KBUR) and Olbia airports (LEIO). This is no doubt his most ambitious and large-scale project yet.
The feature list is extremely comprehensive. With a focus on ensuring that the airport layout is correct and accurate (based on 2025) data, along with high levels of optimisation for optimum performance. They claim that there is an ultra-high level of accuracy with the airport models, thanks to on-site imagery and videos for reference. This will include every door, air-con system, signage, and more – nothing is random and hand-placed based on real-world info.
There will be custom 3D lighting and taxi signage, along with animated Atlanta SkyTrain and the Atlanta Metro Trains. Expect detailed interior modelling, custom GSE equipment, animated jetways and correct gate assignments for a realistic AI experience. Overall, Matteo is promising a completely high-quality rendition of the world’s busiest airport.
Although Orbx has yet to give a firm release date, they said that beta testing is beginning soon. Once that happens, expect a series of more previews.
Features
- Complete, up-to-date 2025 rendition of KATL airport buildings and surroundings, including the latest Concourse T expansion.
- Airport layout updated to reflect the latest 2025 changes.
- Developed by a single creator, ensuring the highest level of optimization and a consistent style for airport textures and models.
- Innovative ambient occlusion technique enhances realism and texture definition.
- Ultra-high accuracy in airport structure models, based on on-site images and video. Every door, electrical line, tube, air conditioning system, and sign is placed exactly as in real life – no random objects used – ensuring maximum airport fidelity.
- Accurate ground elevation across the entire airport – Atlanta’s unique sloped runways are realistically represented, rather than using a flat terrain.
- Detailed interior modeling, based on real-world imagery.
- Animated Atlanta SkyTrain and Atlanta Metro Train, complete with detailed airport train stations.
- High-quality, photorealistic textures with handcrafted corrections.
- Custom 3D taxiway lights, including various specific ground lighting.
- Custom 3D taxiway signs, modeled to match real-world shapes and proportions.
- Custom ground poly with advanced, handmade materials that simulate real-life dirt, cracks, and wear.
- Custom GSE vehicles with airline-specific branding, unique to Atlanta, ensuring an authentic ramp experience—no default models used.
- Custom animated jetways featuring various Atlanta airport and airline brand logos.
- No use of default library objects – every object is custom-made specifically for Atlanta.
- No unnecessary, high-polygon models or unoptimized assets – every material and polygon count has been carefully chosen to ensure the best balance of quality and performance.
- Gates include correct airline assignments for a realistic AI experience.
