Synaptic Simulations has released a fresh development update for its hotly anticipated Airbus A220 for Microsoft Flight Simulator, coinciding with this year’s FlightSimExpo. This update brings a closer look at recent progress in systems development, visual enhancements, and a surprise announcement on the sound design for the aircraft.
The team reports steady progress since the major livestream earlier this month. Development continues at a rapid pace, with the team focusing on bug fixing, feature integration, and preparing the aircraft for its release, which remains targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025.
System development progresses rapidly
One of the main highlights of this update is the continued refinement of core systems. Synaptic confirms that the A220 now features a fully simulated APU, with voltage and frequency ramp-up behavior and accurate bus transfer logic. This is part of a broader update to the electrical system, which also integrates cockpit zone lighting that responds correctly to power availability and switch states.
The hydraulic and fuel systems have been further refined, offering more realistic behavior both under normal operation and failure conditions. The team says that synoptic pages for hydraulics, fuel, and electrical now dynamically reflect the current state of the aircraft, in line with their emergent modeling approach.
Performance improvements have also been a key focus in recent weeks, with optimizations addressing memory leaks and streamlining the system architecture for better stability and smoother performance.
Navigation and automation improvements
The navigation suite continues to evolve. SimBrief flight plan uplink is now fully operational, allowing pilots to import flight plans directly into the A220’s FMS. Navigraph charts are integrated into the cockpit’s display units, offering direct access to procedures and airport diagrams. The onboard airport navigation system automatically switches between airport layouts and terrain maps depending on the selected ND range.
Flight control logic has also seen further improvements. Updates to speed trim logic and pitch stability contribute to a more realistic flight handling experience, while the newly developed autothrottle system and expanded autoflight modes are bringing the A220 closer to replicating real-world behavior.
Echo19 joins as the sound partner
For the first time, Synaptic has confirmed that the A220’s soundscape is being developed in collaboration with Echo19, whose stunning work on sound design for flight simulation has received increased attention and acclaim. Echo19 is working on a comprehensive sound package using recordings taken directly from a real A220. This includes everything from cockpit switch clicks to the distinctive spool-up of the PW1500G engines. The goal, of course, is to deliver a spatially accurate and highly immersive audio experience for users.
Visual refinements continue
On the visual side, Synaptic says work is nearing completion. Recent efforts have focused on addressing feedback from testers, pilots, and the community, ensuring the aircraft is visually polished for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024.
FSExpo showcase and what’s next
The A220 is being showcased live at FSExpo this weekend, offering attendees the chance to try a pre-release version and interact with the developers directly. For those not attending, a new trailer has been released, offering the most recent look at the aircraft inside the simulator.
Looking ahead, Synaptic plans to publish detailed development updates each month leading up to release, focusing on major systems such as the electrical architecture, display logic, flight control systems, and autoflight behavior.
The Synaptic A220 remains on track for release in Q4 2025, initially for PC via the iniManager, with an Xbox release planned afterward.
