iniBuilds took to their Discord server yesterday to announce the release of major updates for their Airbus A350 and A340 airliners for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. The A350 features many bug fixes, performance improvements, and a refined audio set, while the A340 gets refinements to core systems, improved audio, and other functionality.
What’s New for the A350?
The highlight in this update is the latest refinements of the iniBuilds’ internal processes and optimisation tools that have made better performance possible. With the latest update, the A350 receives major performance improvements as a result of the team’s optimisations, which have resulted in smoother frame rates and a more consistent experience. Simmers on both low to medium-end and high-end PC hardware can expect improvements.
Part of this optimisation stems from the more FPS-friendly cabin variant that is now standard. Most users now no longer have to use the “No Cabin” option when flying either variant of the A350. As part of these improvements, the A350 cabin packs have now been sunset. Textures have also been optimised across the A350 by reducing the resolution while having no impact on visual fidelity. The wingflex has also received an update to reduce its impact on the CPU. Furthermore, the LODs have also been reworked for better performance and smoother transitions.
The sound set is another highlight, and while not being a brand new sound set, it does offer some improved fidelity. Broad refinements across the aircraft’s audio environment to enhance clarity, balance, and spatial realism have been made. Overall improvements include a more natural cabin ambience, smoother engine tones, and more accurate cockpit cues.
A340 Improvements
The A340 sees an overhaul to its Display Unit and DMC Behaviour, including EIS1 display logic, bringing the aircraft much closer to its real-world older-generation Airbus standard in terms of authenticity. Powering up from cold and dark, simmers can notice changes right away, as each display now begins with a white diagonal across the screen, signifying that although the displays have power, it does not have data from the DMC yet.
The priority rules for the Engine and Warning Display reversion logic are also now fully simulated. If the upper DU fails or is switched off manually, the E/WD will automatically transfer to the lower DU without any action. This logic also works in reverse. The PFD and ND also receive this reversion logic; if the DU fails, the PFD automatically transfers to another available display. However, unlike the E/WD, the PFD does not revert when the original screen is restored, reflecting real-world operations.
Other improvements include the ability to automatically receive and load operational flight plans with the now-supported AOC Flight Plan Uplinks. Performance and takeoff data are also refined, and the aircraft now supports automatic V-speeds, flex temp settings, and thrust rating uplinks, allowing faster pre-flight preparation and more accurately mimicking real-world airline operations.
Digital loadsheet delivery and OCM (Operational Control Messages) have also been added for more immersive ground operations, along with new ATC messaging capabilities through AOC integration. Pilots can send oceanic clearance requests and position reports directly from the aircraft, with all messages routed efficiently via the DCDU or MCDU.
Closing Notes
Overall, both of the flagship iniBuilds airliners received substantial updates in terms of performance, new simulation logic, bug fixes and other improvements. A full changelog, along with videos showcasing the new changes for the A350 and A340, can be found on their forum blog post. For more flight sim-related news, updates, releases, and more, do check out our other articles on FSNews.
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