Canadian Flight Sim Studios (CFSS) has released Boundary Bay Airport (CZBB) for X-Plane 12. As one of Canada’s busiest airports and its leading general aviation hub, Boundary Bay Airport serves a diverse range of air traffic. The Greater Vancouver gateway was ranked the third busiest in Canada by aircraft movements as of early 2024.
About Boundary Bay Airport
Located in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the former airfield-turned-airport plays a key role in Canadian aviation history. Originally built in 1941 as Canadian Forces Station Ladner, the site was used to train Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Air Force pilots during the Second World War. Squadrons operated out of Boundary Bay Airport to provide air defence support against a potential Japanese invasion. Following the war, the base was no longer required and was subsequently decommissioned by the RCAF in 1946.
In the late 1940s, the site became a signals intelligence station, responsible for monitoring Soviet Union military communications at the height of the Cold War. However, the installation of nearby power lines made gathering signals difficult, resulting in the station’s eventual closure in 1971. The twist to the tale came in the mid-1970s, when it became apparent that Vancouver International Airport could no longer sustain both general aviation and commercial traffic.
Thus, under the name Boundary Bay Airport, the site was reopened in 1983 following a restoration. Two of the three runways were reopened, a new control tower was built, and the remaining runway was made available for other purposes until it became a hangarage option for privately owned aircraft. Operator Alpha Aviation’s establishment of an FBO in 2008, as well as significant investments made since then to enhance the airport’s facilities and infrastructure, have improved the usability of the runway for corporate jets.
Boundary Bay Airport now serves general aviation and private aircraft. Additionally, a new terminal building, opened in 2010 in time for the Winter Olympics, aims to allow the airport to accommodate regional airlines. As of 2011, a single FBO – Boundary Bay Air Services – operates at the airport, while BC Air provides charter services as a point-to-point operator.
About CFSS’s Boundary Bay Rendition
CFSS’s rendition of Boundary Bay Airport has been recreated with a high level of accuracy for X-Plane 12. According to the developer, it has been built “using extensive research and countless hours of detailed modelling”, resulting in every facility being faithfully recreated to reflect its real-life counterpart. The scenery has also been constructed according to current charts, with precise markings and lighting accompanying the highly detailed apron and taxiway layouts.
Every detail and structure has been crafted to help bring the airport to life, including functional moving doors at key hangars. For executive charter flights or logging hours in a trainer, CFSS’s scenery aims to deliver an authentic experience of Vancouver’s vibrant GA scene.
Boundary Bay Airport is now available to purchase for X-Plane 12. The scenery can be purchased from the CFSS website and Orbx Direct for around €10.
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