X-Codr Designs has officially released version 2.0.13 of its Airport Enhancement Package (AEP), bringing a comprehensive overhaul to default airports across both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11. Unlike traditional scenery add-ons that focus on individual locations, AEP takes a global approach, enhancing every airport in the simulator through procedural technology.
At its core, AEP 2.0.13 is designed to transform the visual quality and realism of default scenery without requiring users to manually install custom airports. By using in-house tools, the add-on dynamically generates overlays such as dirt, rubber marks, oil stains, and environmental wear, all based on region and airport type. The result is a far more believable and “lived-in” environment across the entire simulator.
One of the standout aspects of this update is the expansion of environmental detail. Airports now feature additional ground clutter, including service vehicles, cones, fuel equipment, and various objects that help create a sense of operational activity. Combined with improved hangar models, updated vehicle assets, and refined textures, AEP 2.0.13 significantly raises the baseline quality of X-Plane’s default airports.
Another major addition is the new snow system, fully compatible with addons XA-Snow. Unlike static implementations, this system introduces layered snow effects that adapt naturally to airport layouts, preserving taxi routes and operational areas. It integrates seamlessly with default weather rendering while remaining compatible with third-party scenery, ensuring consistency regardless of the user’s setup.
Taxiway signage has also received a notable upgrade through the included AEP Live plugin. This system replaces default signs in real time with higher-quality models based on FAA specifications, improving readability, accuracy, and overall immersion without impacting performance.
From a technical standpoint, the add-on remains lightweight and efficient. The procedural nature of the system allows it to enhance large areas without the need for heavy manual assets, making it a practical solution for simmers looking to improve realism without sacrificing performance.
Airport Enhancement Package 2.0.13 is now available for $22.95 via the X-Plane.org Store, including support for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 in a single package. The download size is approximately 2 GB, with 8 GB of VRAM recommended for optimal performance, and the update is free for existing users.
Further details can be found in the official announcement, while additional information about the developer and the product is available on the X-Codr Designs website. For continued coverage on flight simulation developments, keep an eye on FSNews.
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.
