iniBuilds A350 Airliner for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 & 2020 v1.1.7 Released

[mattY]

iniBuilds A350 Airliner V1.1.7 Update 🚀

Today is an exciting day for our A350 community, as we are releasing a major new update featuring extensive bug fixes, strong performance improvements, and a refined audio experience. v1.1.7 is now available via the iniManager. Marketplace update has been submitted today.

To celebrate Black Friday, the iniBuilds A350 Airliner is now 35% off for 1 week only! - our largest discount ever on this aircraft. If you've been waiting for the right moment to experience this iconic jet, now's your chance. 

This update can be downloaded via the iniManager.

Performance 

As highlighted in our recent A340 Airliner update, we have continued refining the internal processes and optimisation tools that made the A340’s performance possible — with the primary goal of bringing those same improvements over to the A350.

With this update, we are pleased to report significant performance gains across the board. Our teams have pushed hard to optimise every area of the aircraft, resulting in a noticeably smoother and more consistent experience, especially for those on mid-range or older hardware, while still delivering benefits for high-end systems.

Let’s take a closer look at what v1.1.7 introduces.

Default Cabin Optimisations

The A350 launched with a substantial focus on cabin detail and fidelity, supported by our optional cabin packs. However, based on your feedback, many pilots prefer a lighter, performance-focused cabin — similar to what we introduced with the A340.

In response, we’ve developed a new performance-friendly default cabin variant as standard. For most users, this means you should no longer need to rely on the “No Cabin” version when flying the A350-900 or -1000 purely for performance reasons. The “No Cabin” option will remain available for those who prefer it or require it for compatibility.

As part of our commitment to consistently improve performance across all iniBuilds aircraft, we have made the strategic decision to sunset the A350 cabin packs from v1.1.7 onward. Doing so allows our teams to focus entirely on optimising the core product experience rather than maintaining multiple cabin variants.

To be clear:
✔ Custom cabin livery textures are still fully supported across all default cabin variants.
❌ Only the unique cabin layout models for specific operators are being retired.

The crusade for better performance did not stop at the cabins. Our technical art teams have continued pushing to squeeze every possible ounce of performance out of the A350.

Texture Optimisation 

Starting with textures, we have now made reduced-resolution textures standard across the A350. We have taken great care to ensure this has no noticeable impact on visual fidelity, and in testing, we do not expect users to see any difference in day-to-day flying.

Node Count Reductions

Another area we targeted was node count. In a 3D model, node count refers to the number of individual objects, instances, or helper nodes in a scene. It is one of the biggest contributors to CPU load, especially for users on mid to lower-end processors compared to those, for example, on the latest Ryzen X3D chips. We have reduced the A350’s node count by several thousand on different models, which should provide a positive improvement to main thread performance for users who previously struggled with CPU limitations.

Wingflex System Improvements

To achieve natural wing movement, we use a skin-and-bone animation system. Previously, this involved a high number of active bones influencing the mesh, which added CPU cost, especially under dynamic environmental effects such as snow or weathering.

We have reduced the number of bones used in this setup by over 50%, which should deliver noticeable gains for CPU-limited users.

LOD Refinements
We have also selectively reworked several LODs. While this alone does not dramatically increase FPS, it significantly improves the smoothness of transitions between LOD levels, reducing micro-stutters when moving around the aircraft.

As with all major technical updates, unexpected issues may arise due to the wide variety of PC configurations. If you encounter any anomalies, please report them through our usual support channels so we can continue refining the aircraft.

Important:
All installed liveries and livery packs must be updated. Old versions may result in missing exterior components or other anomalies. Updated livery files will be available via iniManager on release day, and on the Marketplace once approved.

Performance Statistics – MSFS 2024
We’ve stated that performance has improved — but what evidence do we have to support that? Below are key statistics from our testing that clearly demonstrate the performance gains and highlight the improvements we’ve made.

Test specs: Ryzen 7800X3D, 64GB RAM, RTX 2080. A350-900, Default Cabin Selected

v1.1.7 delivers a clear increase in average framerates, but more importantly, a substantial improvement in 1% and 0.2% low frametimes. These reductions in frame-time variation translate to a much smoother, more stable experience.

Stutters are also significantly reduced. In previous builds, fewer than 45% of frames were classified as “smooth” on this setup. In v1.1.7, this figure now exceeds 85% in most cases. Frame-time spikes greater than 4ms have been reduced by 90%, resulting in consistent, fluid motion even in demanding environments.

TL;DR — If you previously struggled with performance on the A350, we strongly recommend giving this update a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Performance Statistics – MSFS 2020
The MSFS 2020 version of the A350 has also received targeted optimisation work. While the gains are smaller than in MSFS 2024, we observed measurable improvements in 1% and 0.2% lows, alongside smoother behaviour in specific high-load scenarios. Your mileage may vary depending on hardware, but most users should see some benefit.

Sound Updates
Our second focus topic for this update is the new and improved soundscape that is now available for the iniBuilds A350 Airliner.

Is this a completely brand new sound pack? No, but we expect you will find it an overall improvement to the fidelity, and authenticity of the aircraft. We think you’ll notice the depth and clarity they’ve brought to the aircraft and want to thank Echo19 Audio for their contributions to the update.

In this update, we’ve delivered broad refinements across the aircraft’s audio environment to enhance clarity, balance, and spatial realism.
Direct areas are highlighted below, but overall improvements include a more natural cabin ambience, smoother and better-blended engine tones and attenuation, and more accurate cockpit cues that reduce unnecessary noise.

For those who may have felt the audible experience was subpar due to mixing, or sounds not loading due to LOD issues; all of these have been reviewed and resolved in this update. 

We’ve also improved the AI traffic audio cues as well as fixed as series of minor issues to create a more authentic soundscape. We hope they enhance your experience and encourage you to turn up the volume on all your future flights!

So what has changed?

While not all encompassing, we’ve provided a few examples below to showcase the updates and highlight areas we feel are much improved. 

Cockpit and Cabin Ambience/Spatialization

Engine “buzzsaw” on takeoff from cockpit and cabin

External aircraft and equipment sounds and ambience 

TERRAIN DATABASE:

Starting with v1.1.7, you can now download the terrain database locally to the aircraft’s working directory (A340 customers will be familiar with this process). This is especially helpful for users with limited bandwidth or unstable internet connections.

The process is simple, but please refer to this forum post for detailed instructions:
How To - Download Terrain data locally - FAQs - iniBuilds Forum

We hope you enjoy this deep-dive development update! To celebrate Black Friday, the iniBuilds A350 Airliner is now 35% off for 1 week only! — our largest discount ever on this aircraft. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to experience this iconic jet, now’s your chance.

iniBuilds Team ❤️ 
____________________________________________________________
V1.1.7
SYSTEMS ⚙️
FIXED FLS clearance logic after NEW DEST insertion.
FIXED VNAV wind component direction/sign conventions and path geometry.
FIXED VNAV path agreement with VSD (constraint interpolation & smoothing).
FIXED PERF DES speed schedule and VDEV stability.
FIXED Vertical Display showing ETP/time markers.
FIXED DIR TO logic, temporary flight plan creation, and waypoint ordering.
FIXED Wind page ordering (highest FL to lowest).
FIXED Manual leg sequencing, waypoint deletion behaviour, and scratchpad validation.
FIXED Custom waypoint handling (PBD / LAT-LON / 3–4 letter stored waypoints).
FIXED Incorrect destination field elevation and altitude reference usage.
FIXED Departure SID parsing and selection reliability.
FIXED Arrival/Approach selection and correct propagation to SEC F-PLN.
FIXED RNP AR guidance stability, VDEV behaviour, and RF-leg tracking.
FIXED LS and FLS course sourcing for PFD annunciation.
FIXED Constraint displays relative to TL/TA logic.
FIXED Step climb ETA and calculation logic when offsets or conditional waypoints are present.
FIXED Oceanic Clearance entry workflow and CPDLC handling logic.
FIXED Offset waypoint creation (-XX nm) and abeam logic.
FIXED ACTIVE/SEC common-leg behaviour.
FIXED Cruise MACH, REC MAX, and ISA deviation integration.
FIXED Step climb trigger logic and TO waypoint formatting.
FIXED High-elevation airport logic for TO/DES predictions.
FIXED GS mini computation using correct wind component.
FIXED APP DES behaviour and pitch/thrust blending.
FIXED AP V/S mode pitch-command smoothing.
FIXED Pitch trim initialisation for airborne starts.
FIXED V/S display behaviour during preflight.
FIXED EO acceleration altitude logic.
FIXED VAPP/VLS consistency and wind additives.
FIXED VFE and VMAX CONF1 accuracy.
FIXED Aileron neutral feedback indication.
FIXED FLS/LOC/VOR approach symbology across PFD/ND.
FIXED BLEED 1+2, PACK 1+2, and X-BLEED ECAM logic.
FIXED WING ANTI-ICE ECAM behaviour.
FIXED TR1/2/EMER voltage modelling.
FIXED HYD and F/CTL SD page alignment and indication precision.
FIXED Fuel quantity resolution (10kg).
FIXED IR/ADR switching behaviour and OFF annunciation.
FIXED ADIRS pushbutton logic.
FIXED Cargo temperature regulation indication.
FIXED Brake temperature arc placement.
FIXED Beacon/chocks logic for ground ops.
FIXED Door/cabin readiness indications.
FIXED Engine/pitot cover detection logic.
FIXED Loadsheet formatting and message record handling.
FIXED Turnaround/MCDU reset behaviour.
FIXED BTV stop margin entry behaviour.
FIXED LDG MEMO timing alignment.
ADDED Local terrain database download capability.
ADDED RMP frequency uplink via ACARS.
ADDED ACARS timeout logic.
FIXED RAD NAV auto-cleaning and frequency handling.
FIXED HUD symbology stability (FPV, track bug, LS scale).
FIXED PFD track/altitude indications around 360° transitions.
FIXED ISIS text and menu alignment.
FIXED ND symbology for terrain, RF legs, and approach overlays.
FIXED FO-side ND airport data call.
FIXED SEC PLAN ND rendering.
FIXED OIS layout and format improvements.
FIXED L/G Gravity Ext erroneous message

ART 🎨
FIXED AP disconnect and priority pushbutton animations.
FIXED Reverser lever animations and detent accuracy.
FIXED Vertical tail aerodynamic behaviour with no hydraulics.
FIXED Spoiler droop representation on SD and external model.
FIXED Wing/lighting interaction (flash issue).
FIXED Jetway 2L behaviour (A340 parity).
ADDED Full cabin light-off option on FA Panel.
FIXED Setting "Night Mode" on FA Panel correctly dims lightscape

OIS💻
FIXED Door control logic from EFB ground menu.
FIXED Enroute map rendering, refresh logic, and layer stability.
FIXED Multi-page SID/STAR/APP chart rendering.
FIXED Takeoff config workflow when cabin not ready.
FIXED Terrain download status reporting.
FIXED ZFW entry and performance workflow in OIS.
FIXED Landing performance FT/M conversion.
FIXED EFB map refresh & state management.
ADDED “Reset to Recommended Levels” for volume settings.
ADDED Permanent HUD cover toggle in equipment page.
ADDED Chart viewer UI improvements (text scaling, accessibility).

SOUND 🔊
ADDED Sound Overhaul
FIXED Electrical power-up transitions and sequence timing.
FIXED Callout timing including altitude, configuration, and GPWS events.
FIXED RAT deployment audio.
FIXED Internal engine volume scaling across all phases.
ADDED full overhaul of engine and ambient soundscape (interior + exterior).
ADDED Improved buzzsaw, spool, and airflow effects.
ADDED Avionics bay ambience with no power.
ADDED Cockpit-door attenuation for cabin announcements.
ADDED New layered cockpit and cabin ambience for more spatial depth.
 

Please see below a known issues list that will be fixed in next week hotfix:

1.1.7 RC1 Known Issues
- FS24: Wipers animation  Inop
- FS24: 900/ULR - Rear cargo door model mesh causing all liveries with intersecting colorways to render white square
- FS24: Cabin IFE tied to Cabin Lighting power instead of individual power state