“Bellingham Tower, Northflow 308, on the ILS 34, full stop.”
Flying the Saab 340 requires an understanding of its unique turboprop characteristics. It is not an overpowered aircraft, especially during climb, making power management essential. SAAB 340 | NASA Airborne Science Program
The flight simulation community has been eager to get their hands on a Saab 340 for MSFS 2020. Based on early access and testing of the Carenado version in MSFS 2024, here is what simmers are saying.
Before we dive into the MSFS addons, it helps to appreciate the aircraft itself. The Saab 340 is a Swedish twin-engine turboprop designed to seat 30–36 passengers. It first flew on 25 January 1983, and was produced from 1983 to 1999, with 459 aircraft built. saab 340 msfs 2020
model is the primary way to fly the airframe today, though it serves more as a "visual mod" than a technical simulation. True enthusiasts may need to look toward or wait for NextGen Simulations to complete their standalone project. alternative turboprops currently available with full system depth for MSFS 2020? Carenado Saab 340 - not IFR -operable - Aircraft & Systems
The Saab 340 is a legendary regional turboprop with a rich history and a bright future in Microsoft Flight Simulator. For MSFS 2020 users, the wait is nearly over—NextGen Simulations is on track to release a highly detailed, feature-packed Saab 340 by mid-2025. With 8K textures, advanced avionics, extensive liveries, and a commitment to both MSFS 2020 and 2024 compatibility, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated regional aircraft addons in years.
For pilots and operators, the Saab’s appeal is practical and enduring. Its systems are straightforward, its handling rewarding for those who respect turboprop disciplines. The cockpit, while dated by the standards of glass-heavy modern airliners, maintains a tactile honesty: analog instruments, clear engine gauges, and control forces that communicate feedback directly. That simplicity translates to lower operating costs, easier maintenance in smaller facilities, and the flexibility to operate to shorter runways. Those strengths made the 340 a mainstay for regional carriers and charter operators who needed dependable performance without pretension. “Bellingham Tower, Northflow 308, on the ILS 34, full stop
Pro tip: In MSFS, the default Saab 340 may over-temp easily. Use the option in the tablet (if available) or download the “Saab 340 Improved” mod from Flightsim.to.
Asobo Studio has also confirmed that the Saab 340 is part of the Aircraft & Avionics Update 04, which brings MSFS 2024-native versions of five popular European aircraft. This update, announced in May 2026, ensures that the Saab 340 will continue to receive official support and improvements within the MSFS ecosystem.
For simmers who crave a truly high-fidelity, study-level simulation, the name on everyone's lips is . This third-party developer has been working on a new, from-the-ground-up Saab 340 for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, with the goal of delivering an experience that rivals the best add-ons on the market. Based on early access and testing of the
: Features high-quality 4K exterior textures and includes several real-world liveries like Cayman Airways, Air Chathams, and WestJet Link.
Shutting down the right engine, then the left, the silence was profound. The only sound left was the rain pattering on the virtual cockpit roof and the distant hiss of the terminal HVAC.
A common rookie mistake is forgetting to disengage the mechanical gust lock on the center console before takeoff, which locks the control surfaces.
First look at the Saab 340 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
The Saab 340 is a Swedish twin-engine turboprop designed for short to medium-haul regional flights, seating 30–36 passengers. : 271–283 KTAS Service Ceiling : 25,000 ft Engines : Two GE CT7-5A2 or CT7-9B turboprops Range : ~470 nm (IFR) to 1,035 miles depending on payload 2. Cold & Dark Startup (Flow Summary)