Part 1: How Flight Simulator Platforms Handle the Boeing 737

X-Plane and MSFS receive grades for their ability to simulate the iconic jet airliner.

Peter James

Friday, August 01, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

X-Aviation 737-300 Classic (shown with winglet kit) [FLYING Archive]

Key Takeaways:

The article reviews three Boeing 737 add-ons for the X-Plane flight simulator, assessing their realism and features.
The X-Aviation 737-300 (payware) is considered a "study-level" simulation of an older 737 variant, earning a B grade due to a minor sound omission.
The default X-Plane 737NG -800 (freeware) is praised for its looks and flight physics but criticized for its "toy-like" Flight Management System (FMS), resulting in a C grade.
The freeware Zibo 737 Project is highly recommended as a comprehensive, "study-level" replacement for the default 737-800, featuring full systems, an accurate FMS, and superior sounds, receiving an A grade.

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There’s not a more iconic, well-recognized passenger jetliner in history than the venerable Boeing 737.

Ever since the 1960s, the compact 737 seemed to explode onto the market and transport just about everyone, everywhere. Originally designed as a short range commuter jet, with the little “rocket” engines slung under the wings, the smaller 737-100 series was born out of the larger, first passenger jetliner to make its mark—the four-engined Boeing 707. The 707 from the 1950s roared up to 600 mph, taking a 12-hour prop liner to cross the U.S. in six or less hours at high altitude.