The BlueBird Simulations Boeing 757 is one of the most-watched Microsoft Flight Simulator airliner releases still on the runway in 2026. After years of development, new previews, beta updates and a dedicated product page now make the project feel much closer than it used to, even though there is still no exact release date.
As of 24 July 2026, the clean answer is this: BlueBird is still aiming at a Q3 2026 release window, the product page still says Coming Soon, and the aircraft is being positioned as a premium Boeing 757 package for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
Image: BlueBird Simulations official B757 preview.
What BlueBird is building
BlueBird describes the B757 as a high-fidelity airliner package built from the ground up for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The headline product is the passenger 757, with the 757-200 leading the launch plan and the 757-300 also part of the wider package roadmap.
The official B757 page lists both Rolls-Royce RB211 and Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engine options, and the developer has said the passenger package is priced at $80. That puts it in the same broad price territory as serious payware airliners rather than casual mid-tier add-ons.
That price only makes sense if the systems depth lands properly. BlueBird appears to know that. The current marketing is not just about exterior modelling; it is about FMC behaviour, navigation logic, electrical and hydraulic systems, circuit breakers, EICAS logic, sound design and pilot-checked handling.
Release window and platform support
The strongest public release window remains Q3 2026. MSFS Addons reported that BlueBird confirmed that window in March, and the developer's later beta update said the project was still on track for Q3 after entering stage 2 of beta testing.
The launch situation for MSFS 2024 deserves careful wording. BlueBird has said the aircraft will be compatible with MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 at launch, but the initial MSFS 2024 support is expected to be a compatible build rather than a fully native 2024 version. A native MSFS 2024 update is planned later as a free update.
For practical buyers, that means MSFS 2024 pilots should watch early reviews closely. Compatibility at launch is good, but a native MSFS 2024 build may matter for long-term performance, feature integration and simulator-specific behaviour.
PC is expected first. Xbox support has been discussed as a later goal, but it should not be assumed for day one.
Beta status: close, but not dated
BlueBird's spring 2026 update said the 757 had entered stage 2 of 3 in beta testing. That stage was described as the main systems beta, with stage 3 expected to be shorter and focused more on EFB work, cosmetic polish and final integration.
The important bit is what BlueBird said comes after stage 3: a release date announcement should follow a few weeks after entering that final stage. At the time of writing, there does not appear to be a public release date announcement yet.
So this is not a "download tomorrow" situation. It is more accurate to say the 757 looks materially closer than before, but still waiting for the final dated launch confirmation.
Image: BlueBird Simulations official B757 cockpit preview.
Systems that matter
The feature list is ambitious. BlueBird is advertising a custom FMC with LNAV and VNAV, ARINC 424-style navigation, SimBrief import, custom autothrottle behaviour and detailed aircraft systems.
For airliner sim pilots, the FMC and autopilot will probably decide the aircraft's reputation. A good 757 needs more than a nice cockpit model. It needs credible vertical navigation, sensible descent behaviour, convincing speed control, stable approach modes and route handling that does not fall apart on real-world procedures.
BlueBird is also highlighting working circuit breakers tied into electrical bus logic. The official page currently says 150+ working circuit breakers, while some recent coverage has described the aircraft as having more than 200. Either way, the message is clear: the developer wants this to be judged as a systems aircraft, not just a visual model.
Other listed systems include hydraulic logic, pneumatic and bleed-air simulation, IRU alignment, EICAS messaging, fuel crossfeed/scavenge behaviour, terrain display, CRT-style display effects, wing flex, landing gear compression and detailed bogie animation.
The sound package also sounds serious on paper, with BlueBird saying it uses a Wwise 3D audio setup and engine-specific sound profiles for the RB211 and PW2000.
What is included, and what is not
The passenger 757 package is the main event. BlueBird's public FAQ wording has said the initial release includes the 757-200 with RR and PW engines, with the 757-300 following as a free update. Other reporting has described the $80 package as covering both the 757-200 and 757-300 across MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, so the safest reading is that the -300 is part of the passenger package roadmap but may not be in the first installer on day one.
A freighter version is planned separately as a paid expansion. That matters because the 757F has obvious appeal for cargo routes, classic DHL/UPS/FedEx-style operations and medium-haul freight flying, but buyers should not expect the freighter to be included in the initial passenger release.
Image: BlueBird Simulations official B757 landing gear preview.
Why the 757 matters for MSFS
The Boeing 757 sits in a brilliant middle ground. It is larger and more capable than a 737, smaller than a wide-body, powerful enough for steep climbs, and interesting enough to make short, medium and longer routes feel different from the usual A320/737 pattern.
For BeatMyLand.ing pilots, the 757 should be especially interesting because it rewards energy management. It is not an aircraft where a soft touchdown alone tells the whole story. A good 757 landing also means stable approach speed, sensible descent planning, accurate flare timing and disciplined runway tracking.
That makes it a strong aircraft for repeated landing practice. Pilots will be able to compare touchdown rate, centreline control and approach consistency across routes that feel properly airline-like without committing to very long-haul flying.
Good route candidates, once the aircraft is out, would include classic 757-style operations such as transatlantic narrow-body legs, holiday routes, high-density domestic sectors, short runway airports and older airline routes where the 757's performance made it useful in the real world.
Should you buy on day one?
The sensible answer is: wait for release reviews unless you are already sold on the project.
There is a lot to like here. The official previews look strong, the feature list is serious, and the 757 fills a genuine gap in MSFS. But long development cycles can create high expectations, and premium airliners live or die on the boring details: VNAV reliability, approach modes, frame rate, EFB usability, failure-free normal operations, update pace and support after launch.
MSFS 2024 users should be especially alert to early feedback because the native 2024 build is planned after the compatible launch version. That is not a deal-breaker, but it is the sort of detail worth knowing before paying premium-airliner money.
Bottom line
BlueBird's 757 now looks like one of the most important MSFS airliner releases to watch in the second half of 2026. The confirmed Q3 target, new official product page and recent beta progress all point in the right direction, but the lack of an exact date means pilots should treat it as close rather than confirmed for a specific day.
If BlueBird delivers the systems depth it is promising, this could become one of the standout Boeing aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator. If the launch build has rough edges, the 757's reputation will depend on how quickly BlueBird patches the first wave of real-user issues.
For now, it belongs high on the watchlist.
FAQ
When is the BlueBird 757 release date?
BlueBird has been targeting Q3 2026, but there is no exact public release date yet as of 24 July 2026.
Will the BlueBird 757 work in MSFS 2024?
Yes, BlueBird has said the aircraft is planned for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. The first MSFS 2024 support is expected to be compatible rather than fully native, with a native 2024 version planned later as a free update.
How much will the BlueBird 757 cost?
The official BlueBird B757 page lists the aircraft at $80.
Is the freighter included?
No. The freighter version is planned as a separate paid expansion.
Sources
- BlueBird Simulations official B757 page
- BlueBird Simulations official site
- FSElite: BlueBird Simulations 757: New Website and Previews Available
- FSElite: BlueBird Simulations 757 Now in Beta Testing Stage 2
- MSFS Addons: BlueBird confirms Q3 2026 release window
- BlueBird Simulations Reddit development update