Popular third-party developer Orbx announced that it’s developing the well-known Catalina Airport (KAVX) in California, United States for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Known as “the airport in the sky” due to its location on the top of Catalina Island, it’s an extremely scenic destination for general aviation flights.
Here’s how Orbx describes the package, which also details several landmarks on the island.
“From veteran developers, Tim Harris and Ken Hall, we are pleased to announce that “The Airport in the Sky” KAVX Catalina is close to release for Microsoft Flight Simulator!
The airport originally opened as Buffalo Springs Airport in the spring of 1941. It was built by the Wrigley family of Chicago, who owned most of the island under the Santa Catalina Island Company, by leveling off the top of a hill. Prior to this, only seaplanes landed at Hamilton Cove Seaplane Base, just north of Avalon. The Wrigley’s kept a DC-3 in the large hangar there.
Originally released for ESP platform, Tim and Ken have started afresh with this version with almost all of the buildings redone with Microsoft Flight Simulator in mind. This includes having texture resolutions being increased as well as adding realism with PBR. Also debuting is the unique 3D people models that provide a fresh new look to airport as well as tell a story.
Beyond the airport you will the historic seaside destination Avalon Bay which is situated on the southeast of the island. Here you will find many landmarks such as the pier, yacht club and casino.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, Catalina is a must have!”
Features
- Complete overhaul of the ESP classic
- New building geometry and texturing to benefit from the modern MSFS game engine
- 30cm ortho coverage of the airport and Avalon Harbour area
- Numerous POIs including the Casino Ballroom, Pebbly Beach, USC Wrigley Marine Science Center and Two Harbours
- Unique 3D people models
- New custom vegetation
Below you can check out a gallery of screenshots.
Recently, we published our massive interview with head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann, who provided a lot of new info about the present and future of the sim. Recently, also received lots of new details about upcoming content including two new aircraft and a world update focused on Nordic countries.
If you’d like to read more about Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons, you can enjoy our recent reviews of Chongqiung, Manila Airport, Santiago Airport, the Frankfurt City Pack, Key West Airport, the Okavango Delta, Bali Airport, London Oxford Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the CRJ 550/700, the PA-28R Arrow III, Kristiansand Airport, Macau City & Airport, Bonaire Flamingo Airport, Milano Linate Airport, the Singapore City Pack, Tokyo Narita Airport, Yao Airport, the F-15 Eagle, the Paris City Pack, Greater Moncton Airport, Tweed New Haven Airport, Santorini Airport, Sydney Airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Reggio Calabria Airport, Bastia Poretta Airport, Munich Airport, Paris Orly Airport, Newcastle International Airport, Sankt Johann Airfield, Dublin International Airport, and Seoul City Wow. We also have a beta preview of Singapore Changi airport.
If you want to learn more about the game itself, you can read our review that will tell you everything you need to know about Asobo Studio’s game.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is already available for Windows 10 and Steam and will release in summer 2021 for Xbox Series X ad Series S
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