Solving a Multi-Jetway Detection Problem
Several iniBuilds airports use a custom system to operate multiple passenger boarding bridges at the same gate. This is particularly useful when handling large aircraft such as the Airbus A380, Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
However, because those additional jetways are controlled outside the simulator’s standard jetway system, GSX Pro could not always detect them.
The result was an awkward mismatch between the airport and ground-handling software. Even when multiple jetways were connected to the aircraft, GSX could assume no usable bridge was available and send passenger buses or mobile stairs to the stand.
Couatl 4.0.22 introduces a new airport-profile option designed specifically for this situation.
New External Jetway Profile Option
Airport profile creators can now add the following setting to a gate:
externaljetways = 1
This tells GSX that the parking position uses an external jetway system that GSX cannot directly detect or control.
Once enabled, GSX will simulate passenger boarding and deboarding through the connected jetways instead of defaulting to buses and stairs. Passenger totals and boarding times continue to be calculated normally, helping preserve the operational side of a GSX turnaround.
The option can be particularly valuable at busy international terminals where widebody aircraft regularly use two or three boarding bridges.
According to MSFS Addons’ report on the update, compatible iniBuilds airports include Chicago O’Hare, Hong Kong, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Dubai International V2. Additional airports may receive support as iniBuilds expands its custom jetway technology.
One Visual Limitation Remains
While the new option improves how GSX manages the boarding process, passengers will not be visibly rendered inside the externally controlled jetways.
GSX simulates passengers entering or leaving the aircraft through the boarding bridges, but their animated models remain hidden. This is preferable to seeing travelers board buses or climb stairs while multiple jetways are already connected, although it is not yet a complete visual implementation.
FSDreamTeam has previously discussed work on broader native multi-jetway support. The external-jetway setting provides airport developers and profile creators with a practical solution in the meantime.
More Changes in Couatl 4.0.22
Multi-jetway compatibility is only one part of the update.
Couatl 4.0.22 also adds a “Show Me This Spot” feature that displays a visual pointer over a selected parking position. This should make it easier for pilots to identify the correct stand at unfamiliar airports or locate a gate selected through the GSX menu.
Users must run the FSDreamTeam Live Update process to receive the SimObject required by the new parking pointer. Installing only through an older offline installer may not provide every required component.
The update also introduces new catering operators for Rex Australia and Lion Air Group, improves handling of custom aircraft profiles stored with separate livery packages and updates GSX’s airport-exclusion behavior.
Airports supplying their own custom ground services can now be excluded automatically through the “Exclude 3rd Party” option, reducing the possibility of conflicting vehicles and service systems.
Additional fixes address cargo loading, vehicles following custom paths, cargo-stair positioning on sloped aprons and the behavior of the “Complete Now” boarding option.
Pilots interested in expanding the GSX experience can also read Sky Blue Radio’s coverage of Cockpit2Ground’s ground-crew communications for GSX.
Version 4.0.23 Delivers a Quick Hotfix
FSDreamTeam followed version 4.0.22 with Couatl 4.0.23 on September 12.
The hotfix corrects several staircase-positioning problems, including TLD and CDS stairs stopping above the aircraft door. It also addresses underground refueling manhole placement after automatic repositioning and an issue that could cause aircraft doors to receive duplicate commands or close immediately after opening.
PMDG 777-200ER and 777-200LR users also receive a correction for catering operations. GSX had been operating door 2R instead of door 1R, potentially creating a repeated service loop.
Full details for both releases are available in FSDreamTeam’s official Couatl Live Update notes.
Available Through FSDreamTeam Live Update
Existing GSX Pro users can obtain the latest Couatl version by running the FSDreamTeam Installer and selecting the Live Update option.
The new profile setting does not mean GSX will automatically recognize every third-party multi-jetway system. Individual airport profiles must be configured to identify stands using externally controlled bridges.
Even with that limitation, the update removes a noticeable break in immersion at several major iniBuilds airports. Simulating the correct boarding method should produce cleaner and more believable widebody turnarounds—without an unnecessary line of buses and passenger stairs appearing beneath connected jetways.
Follow Sky Blue Radio’s latest Microsoft Flight Simulator news for additional aircraft, scenery and utility updates.
