PMDG Boeing 737-600 for MSFS 2024 - a compact airliner from industry leaders

PMDG continues to transfer its Boeing 737 Next Generation line to the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 platform. After the release of the 737-800 and 737-900, it is the turn of the most compact member of the family - the Boeing 737-600. The product is already available for purchase and has become the most budget-friendly, highly detailed liner from PMDG for the new simulator.

Real prototype: Boeing “pocket rocket”

Boeing 737-600 is the shortest aircraft in the Next Generation series. It is only 31.24 meters long with a wingspan of 34.31 meters - which literally means it is wider than it is longer. The model was created as a replacement for the classic 737-500 and inherited its compact dimensions, while receiving all the technological stuff of the NG generation: a new wing, a glass cockpit, CFM56-7B engines and improved avionics.

The first flight took place on January 22, 1998, and commercial operation began in September of the same year with delivery to the Scandinavian airline SAS. Despite its excellent performance and high thrust-to-weight ratio, the 737-600 was the least commercially successful variant, with only 69 examples produced before production ceased in 2006. Among the reasons is low passenger capacity (up to 132 seats in economy) with relatively high fuel consumption per passenger.

An interesting detail: the 737-600 is the only aircraft in the NG line that did not have wingtips installed.

In the simulation community, this aircraft is loved for its character: excellent handling, high performance on short runways and the ability to fly to airports where larger “brothers” simply cannot fit.

What's new in the MSFS 2024 version?

This is not a simple port from MSFS 2020 - PMDG carried out a major rework of the product. The version for MSFS 2024 is the third completely native product of the developer for the new platform (after 737-800 and 737-900). Key improvements include:

— New cockpit models created using LIDAR scanning technology of real aircraft, which ensures maximum accuracy of the geometry of panels and instruments.

— Reworked textures and lighting using new MSFS 2024 material properties, including realistic reflections and lighting effects in the cockpit.

— Updated sound model.

— Customized flight model with improved physics, including rigid body physics.

— Professional simulation of all major and minor aircraft systems.

—Various passenger compartment configurations—one-class and two-class layout.

— A complete set of ground equipment, including passenger service vehicles.

— 23 liveries available through the PMDG Operations Center.

— Navigraph navigation database included (demo version).

In addition, PMDG announced a large-scale update of the external model, scheduled for late February - early March 2026. This update will affect not only the 737-600, but also the already released 737-800 and 737-900.

Who is this product for?

PMDG 737-600 is an excellent entry point into the PMDG ecosystem for pilots who want to try a serious, professional aircraft, but are not ready to immediately invest in more expensive products. The price is lower than older models, and the systems and procedures are identical - skills are fully transferrable to the 737-700, -800 and -900.

The aircraft is ideal for short routes across Europe and flights to airports with limited runway length. If you like to fly between small airports, and not just between large hubs, the 737-600 is designed for just that.

Compatibility

The product is compatible only with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for PC and requires a permanent Internet connection. It is also expected to appear in the Microsoft Marketplace after passing the verification process.