Microsoft Flight Simulator gets a BIG Aussie update with firefighting

Microsoft Flight Simulator has just released World Update 21: Australia, its first update to Australia for the sim since 2021. I sat down at the launch event at the RFS Hangar in Bankstown to listen to the Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Jorg Neumann, talk about what’s new.

He introduced some of the 40 new areas included in the update from all Australian states and territories, six new airports and 36 points of interest, including some big landmarks such as the Big Orange, Big Lobster, Big Mango, Big Golden Guitar and Neumann’s favourite, The Giant Koala.

“We learned a lot about big things.” — Jorg Neumann. Image: Naomi Jackson.

To celebrate the launch of the update, Neumann was joined by the NSW Rural Fire Service to collaboratively showcase a new firefighting mission that was created with help from their recommendations. This mission is also available in the new update and challenges players to water-bomb a blaze near Coffs Harbour.

Image: Naomi Jackson.

The challenge is then scored, and the best scores are showcased on a world leaderboard. I had a great time trying it out and marvelled at how great the game’s planes look as they dip into water, but after a couple of nosedives into the ground, I don’t think I’ll be world-ranking any time soon.

Image: Naomi Jackson.

The developers have also created two Australian ‘local legend’ planes for the game to coincide with the update. “When we go to a country, we try and create a plane that means something to that country,” Neumann explained.

The first local legend, the CAC Boomerang, is the only fighter aircraft designed and manufactured in its entirety in Australia. It is available now via the in-game marketplace for US$14.99.

CAC Boomerang (left) and the Fokker F.VII (right). Images: Xbox.

The second local legend, the Fokker F.VII, was the model of plane Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew used in the first ever transpacific flight from the US to Australia. It is available for free for a limited time from 6 May until 13 May.

The update is available now, and you can get it for free if you own Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or 2020.

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