PMDG has officially marked the calendar with a provisional release window for its much-anticipated 777-200ER. The aircraft is expected to launch simultaneously for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and the upcoming 2024 edition between April 16 and April 29.

This release represents a major milestone for the developer, introducing a comprehensive package that includes three fully simulated engine variants: the Pratt & Whitney PW4092, General Electric GE90-92, and Rolls Royce Trent 892. Each engine comes with its own unique performance model, sound set, and flight characteristics. PMDG has emphasized the aircraft’s performance fidelity, claiming that flight dynamics are accurate to within tenths of a percent of real-world data.

What sets this release apart is not only its depth of simulation but also the debut of PMDG’s next-generation sound environment. Built from scratch, the updated soundscape includes newly captured high-fidelity cockpit recordings and additional ambient layers previously unavailable. This aims to create a richer and more immersive flying experience.

The aircraft will also benefit from an upgraded electronic flight bag (EFB), now featuring a customized weight and balance module integrated with simBrief. Enhanced flight plan uplinks, wind data, and performance metrics are also supported. Flight modeling has been refined as well, with improvements to autothrottle behavior and control surface response, promising a more responsive and realistic pilot experience across varied hardware.

System-wide improvements have been applied to address bugs and refine functionality. PMDG has confirmed that one purchase (price yet to be announced) will grant access to both MSFS 2020 and 2024 versions of the aircraft. Distribution will be handled via the newly updated PMDG Operations Center 3, which will also offer more than 30 liveries at launch.

Transitioning to MSFS 2024: What’s Next

The 777-200ER has served as PMDG’s development platform for transitioning its product line from MSFS 2020 to 2024. This process revealed significant structural differences between the two simulators, prompting a rebuild approach rather than simple porting. Despite the increased development workload, PMDG believes the performance and quality improvements justify the effort. According to early testers, the aircraft performs even better in MSFS 2024 than it does in the current 2020 version.

The release roadmap for the rest of PMDG’s MSFS 2024 product line includes:

• PMDG 777-200ER: April 16–29
• PMDG DC-6: Early May
• PMDG 777F: Mid-to-late May
• PMDG 777-300ER: Mid-to-late May
• PMDG 777-200LR: Late May to Early June
• PMDG 737NG Series: Date TBA

PMDG plans to offer the 2024 versions at no extra cost to existing 2020 product owners. The DC-6 is already under final review, pending release of the 200ER, while development of the 737NGs for 2024 is slated to begin once the 777 line is fully rolled out.

Strategic Shift and Platform Sunset

Based on the lessons learned during dual-platform development, PMDG has announced a strategic pivot. The company will no longer develop new products for MSFS 2020 following the completion of the 777 series. Future releases, starting with the rebuilt 737NG for MSFS 2024, will be designed exclusively for the new platform. This version will feature updated models, sounds, and an improved infrastructure optimized for MSFS 2024. While the upgrade will require a new purchase, PMDG has confirmed it will be a nominal fee for existing 737 owners.

In parallel, PMDG is preparing to retire its legacy Prepar3D product line. Support for all Prepar3D titles will officially end on June 30, 2025, though users will retain access to previously purchased products. The PMDG Operations Center 2 will also be deprecated, limiting its functionality primarily to third-party livery installations.

While the decision to phase out legacy platforms may disappoint some, PMDG cites the need for forward momentum. Maintaining support for aging platforms limits innovation and divides resources. By narrowing focus, the company aims to accelerate development cycles, enhance quality, and introduce new features more effectively.

PMDG’s message is clear: the future of its aircraft simulation products is firmly aligned with MSFS 2024 and beyond.