For the developers and the community that has followed this project for years, today marks a milestone worth celebrating. The refresh button can finally take a well-earned break.
Years of Work Reach the Runway
In its release announcement, BlueBird says the project began in 2021 and underwent major changes in scope, including extensive rebuilds along the way.
The team acknowledges arriving one day later than planned and thanks the community for its patience, encouragement and support throughout development.
Following our earlier report on the launch setback, there is now a confirmed availability announcement: the 757 is out and ready for pilots to begin exploring.
Here at Sky Blue Radio, we’re delighted to see our friends at BlueBird reach this moment. Congratulations to everyone whose work helped get the aircraft across the finish line.
Systems That Work Together
BlueBird describes interaction between aircraft systems as a central design goal.
The release includes a flight management computer developed from the ground up, with custom LNAV and VNAV guidance and SimBrief flight-plan integration.
More than 200 working circuit breakers connect to their associated electrical buses, allowing their operation to affect the systems they supply. BlueBird also confirms that engine, hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic and avionics failures are included at launch.
The cockpit features simulated CRT display characteristics, including phosphor glow and scan lines. Engine choices cover the Rolls-Royce RB211 and Pratt & Whitney PW2000, each with distinct performance and sound characteristics, supported by spatialized Wwise audio inside and outside the aircraft.
Purchasing and Getting Started
BlueBird confirms that customers can purchase the 757-200 through its website.
A BlueBird Simulations account is required regardless of where the aircraft is purchased. Customers use that account to activate their copy and access the Nest download through their account dashboard.
The initial package supports MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. A native MSFS 2024 edition remains a planned free update for existing owners, according to the product information published by Just Flight.
The 757-300 and Freighter Are Next
The aircraft released today is the 757-200. BlueBird says the stretched 757-300 is in development and will be a free update for all 757 owners, available exclusively in the native MSFS 2024 version.
The team is also working on the 757F freighter, with further details to follow. The release announcement does not give a launch date or pricing for that project.
Support Continues After Launch
BlueBird says development will continue with fixes, refinements and additional features.
The team also acknowledges that a wider range of routes, hardware and peripheral combinations will reveal issues that testing may not have uncovered. Customers encountering problems are encouraged to consult the Knowledge Base and contact the team through its Discord community.
For now, a major chapter in this aircraft’s development is complete—and a new one begins with pilots taking it flying.
Read the official BlueBird release announcement for purchasing information and support links.
Related coverage: BlueBird’s original release-date announcement and the BlueBird–WINGFLEX hardware partnership.
