The announcement also brings news for existing WINGFLEX customers: the manufacturer says its B737NG and B777 CDU units will support the BlueBird 757 when the aircraft launches on October 23, 2026.
For simmers preparing to welcome the 757 into their virtual hangars, the plans extend beyond the aircraft on screen. That empty space on the desk may already have a future occupant.
Dedicated Panels for the 757 and 767
WINGFLEX’s official partnership page previews three full-scale products:
- A 757 Glarewing Combo incorporating Mode Control Panel and VOR/DME controls
- A dedicated Electronic Flight Instrument System panel
- An FMC/CDU for route entry and flight management
The hardware is being developed around the BlueBird aircraft, with the companies collaborating on integration and compatibility.
WINGFLEX describes the range as suitable for both desktop use and larger home cockpit projects. That gives pilots the option to add individual panels gradually rather than committing to an entire flight deck at once.
Of course, “just one more panel” is how many perfectly ordinary spare bedrooms become suspiciously Boeing-shaped.
Existing CDU Owners Get Launch-Day Support
Owners of WINGFLEX’s B737NG and B777 CDU products will not need to wait for the dedicated hardware range.
According to WINGFLEX, those units will be compatible with BlueBird’s 757 on October 23. The manufacturer specifies WINGFLEX Bridge version 3.1.1.0 or later for that support.
That provides an immediate option for customers who already own the hardware and want physical flight-management controls when the aircraft arrives.
It also separates two parts of the announcement: compatibility for existing products at the aircraft’s launch, and a new aircraft-specific hardware family planned for next year.
Exclusive Partnership Does Not Restrict Hardware Choice
WINGFLEX is identified as BlueBird’s official exclusive hardware partner and exclusive recommended hardware provider for the 757 and 767.
However, the manufacturer’s FAQ makes clear that the arrangement applies to the official partnership and promotion. It does not prevent customers from using other hardware or stop other manufacturers from developing integrations.
Compatibility with those third-party devices will depend on the companies responsible for them.
WINGFLEX also says the new range is being designed with OpenHID support and compatibility with tools including MobiFlight and SPAD.neXt, offering options for users who prefer custom configurations.
New Hardware Scheduled for 2027
The dedicated lineup is scheduled for 2027, although specific release dates and prices have not been announced.
WINGFLEX says additional 757 and 767 products are in development beyond the three revealed so far. It also plans support for other aircraft, with compatibility varying by device and aircraft.
Those remain development plans. Customers will need to wait for final specifications and individual product announcements before assessing exactly how each panel fits their setup.
BlueBird’s 757 Approaches Its Scheduled Release
The partnership arrives ahead of BlueBird’s scheduled October 23 release.
In its official release-date announcement, BlueBird said the remaining preparations included final aircraft refinements and the infrastructure needed for downloads, activation and customer delivery.
Readers can revisit Sky Blue Radio’s coverage of the October 23 release announcement for the background.
For another approach to configurable cockpit controls, our Flight Panels A380 Stream Deck story covers the use of buttons, dials and camera profiles on multipurpose desktop hardware.
Watch the Announcement
BlueBird’s “BlueBird Announcement and 757 News” video introduces the collaboration. Further product details and compatibility information are available on the official WINGFLEX and BlueBird partnership page.
With the aircraft’s scheduled release a week away and dedicated hardware on the horizon, 757 fans have more to plan than their first route.
They may also need to measure the desk.
