SLHSimDesigsn has recently released a brand new airport for the Microsoft Flight Simulator, the world-famous St. Barthélemy Airport. The developer is a Caribbean-born developer and a former air traffic controller dedicated to recreating Caribbean airports and their unique atmospheres for flight simulation.
Key Features
The Saint-Barthélemy add-on introduces dynamic 3D animated pedestrians who react to aircraft, for example, waving at you or recording videos, and vary depending on the time of day. Animated road traffic adds an extra layer of challenge for pilots during landings and taxiing. The developer added accurate hill slopes and terrain data, allowing for realistic approaches that mimic real-life flight behavior. Both the terminal and tower interiors are fully modeled, including working elevators for access to different floors.
Custom 3D modeling has been paired with 4K bespoke PBR textures to deliver visual fidelity, while animated passengers and populated airport areas enhance immersion. The scenery has been performance-optimized to surpass the default version of the airport. Beyond the airport itself, the simulation includes animated jet skis and speedboats at various beaches, accurately modeled shopping centers, and local points of interest. Iconic locations like Eden Rock and Gustavia Bay have been recreated, while RWY28 beach features both animated and static visitors.
Hangar interiors are fully modeled, dynamic lighting is implemented throughout, and terrain elevations have been corrected for accuracy. Custom taxiway signs and realistic ground textures with grunge detailing add to the authenticity of the airport environment. Finally, the simulation comes with an integrated GSX profile.
About the Airport
Saint-Barthélemy Airport, officially known as Gustaf III Airport, is a public-use airport situated in the village of St. Jean on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. The airport features a single runway, Runway 10/28, which is 646 meters (2,119 feet) in length and constructed with a concrete surface.
This short runway, combined with a steep approach over a hill and a beach at the runway’s end, makes landings particularly challenging and requires pilots to have specialized training and certification.
In 2023, Gustaf III Airport handled approximately 203,841 passengers and recorded 41,271 aircraft movements. The airport primarily serves regional flights and private aircraft, with most visiting aircraft carrying fewer than 20 passengers. The airport is a vital hub for tourism on the island, supporting the local economy and providing access to the island’s luxury resorts and beaches.
The add-on is available for purchase at the iniBuilds store for 14.00 GBP. If you want to discover more from SLH Sim Designs, be sure to check out our feature on their Maurice Bishop Airport release for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Feel free to join our Discord server to share your feedback on the article, screenshots from your flights or just chat with the rest of the team and the community. Click here to join the server.
