Following the conclusion of FSExpo 2026, Synaptic Simulations has shared a detailed development update for its Airbus A220 project for Microsoft Flight Simulator in partnership with iniBuilds. The team demonstrated the aircraft on the show floor, and reported that the reception has been “nothing short of amazing,” and is now shifting focus toward systems integration, polishing visuals, as well as performance improvements.
Systems
The announcement post on the iniBuilds Forum outlines some of the key developments that came to life in recent weeks. Features include the integration of the various system components such as the DMCs (Data Concentration Modules), EICAS (Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System), and EEC (Electronic Engine Controllers).
On top of that, settings on the CTP (Control Tuning Panel) such as the option to select true or magnetic headings, flight path vector caging, and switching between barometric and radio minimums, have been implemented and work seamlessly with the existing displays and CAS (Crew Alerting System). As seen in the images above, parameters such as battery, fuel, and hydraulic fluid temperatures are displayed, and they react dynamically to conditions, like an increase in temperature when flaps operate, or battery load increases.
Since FSExpo, further developments have taken place with regards to the Flight Management System. According to the team, it has been entirely rewritten in order to provide a more stable foundation for future expansion on the wide range of features the A220 boasts. At this stage, the majority of the FMS functions such as graphical flight planning, full LNAV and VNAV, and performance calculations are now in place. The ProLine Fusion avionics and their respective functionalities are said to be available on release of the A220, giving more flexibility in routing and flight planning. More information on the flight management system can be found in the announcement post.
Flight guidance systems, such as the VSD (Vertical Situation Display), have been further developed to provide additional guidance during descent and approach planning. Instrument approaches such as ILS or LPV will be outlined on the VSD as per the real aircraft. In the current development stage the A220 can carry out a range of approaches. These include ILS, LOC, LDA, RNAV RNP 0.3, RNAV ANP AR, RNAV LPV, VOR and VOR/DME.
Additional Information
Synaptic Simulations also shared a few videos showcasing the Autoland and Emergency descent procedures. The video focuses on the various flight modes and behaviors triggered at different stages of the approach and descent; these are said to replicate the “quirks” of the real aircraft, which, according to the developer, demonstrates their commitment to deep systems modeling.
The development post wraps up with some of the latest showcases of the interior and exterior visuals. They also highlighted the soundscapes of the aircraft produced by Echo 19, which some of you may have heard at FSExpo this year. More preview content is expected on their socials and their Discord as they near the aircraft’s release date.
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