Hello friends, and welcome back to the blog!
Over the past few months, I’ve received several emails from readers all asking variations of the same question: Why is it taking so long to bring the PMDG 737 into MSFS 2024? One email even noted, “It only took Fenix a week to bring their A320 family into MSFS 2024.”
While this is an interesting comparison, I believe it’s more like apples to oranges.
Why the Delay?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a definitive answer as to why MSFS 2024 has been available for over six months and yet we’re still waiting for the PMDG 737. However, let’s speculate for a moment.
If we rewind to the early days of MSFS 2020, it took PMDG nearly three years to release their Boeing 737-700. Fenix introduced their Airbus A320 just 10 days later. The lengthy wait for these study-level aircraft was largely due to stability and performance challenges within the new MSFS 2020 platform. I suspect we’re seeing a similar situation with MSFS 2024.
Key Differences Between Fenix and PMDG
Another important factor is how these two aircraft are built. The Fenix A320 operates differently from PMDG aircraft because many of its systems run externally from the simulator. This unique setup likely allowed Fenix to transition their product to MSFS 2024 much faster.
Additionally, flight sim development teams tend to be quite small. A few years ago, PMDG reportedly had a team of just eight people. While they may have expanded since the launch of MSFS, they are still a relatively lean operation. Given their recent focus on the Boeing 777 lineup, it makes sense that the 777 would take priority for MSFS 2024 before the 737.
Looking Ahead
I completely understand the frustration—many of you would prefer to see the 737 arrive ahead of the 777. But it is what it is. For now, patience is key, and I’m confident we’ll have the PMDG 737 in our MSFS 2024 virtual hangar soon.
Until next time…
✈ Happy Flying! ✈
— Jerry