: Navigate to your main X-Plane 11 installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\X-Plane 11 ).
First, it’s important to set the right expectations. When it comes to highly complex, modern airliners like the Boeing 787, the most feature-rich and polished experiences are almost always found in the "payware" (paid) category. However, the vibrant X-Plane community has produced several freeware options that range from simple and lightweight to ambitious projects still in development. The key is to find the one that best matches your needs and your computer's performance.
Use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the main aircraft folder. Boeing 787 X Plane 11 Free Download
: This is a "Plane Maker" style model converted from older versions. It is extremely lightweight (under 8MB) and uses a 2D instrument panel . It is best suited for beginners or users with low-spec PCs who want a simple aircraft to fly without complex systems. It is available at Fly Away Simulation .
: Many open-source developers host their aircraft files here. Look for active repositories labeled with X-Plane 11 787. : Navigate to your main X-Plane 11 installation folder (e
For simmers on a budget, or those just starting their long-haul journey, freeware is a great place to begin. It offers a low-risk way to get a feel for the aircraft.
: It currently lacks an autopilot and complex cockpit systems, requiring manual center-of-gravity adjustments ( ) to take off properly. Download : Found in the X-Plane.org File Library . Comparison of Free vs. Paid Options Freeware (Beta 0.5 / 1.0) Paid (Magknight Aviators Edition) Price Cockpit Basic 2D or default 3D Enhanced 3D with PBR textures Systems Default FMC/Autopilot Custom flight model and systems Variants -8 or -9 only -8, -9, and -10 variants Installation Guide To install any of these freeware aircraft: However, the vibrant X-Plane community has produced several
This is a more recent freeware project by a developer named FlapsFull. It is currently in an early public alpha stage, meaning it's very much a work in progress. The developer has ambitious plans to implement full 3D modeling, custom sounds, a detailed cockpit, improved flight dynamics, and animations in future updates. At its current stage, it may have bugs, and the developer has noted that for a previous version, you needed to set the center of gravity to +200-300 to prevent stalling issues. This project is a testament to the freeware spirit and is perfect for those who enjoy watching an aircraft evolve and want to help shape its development by providing feedback via the project's Discord server.
Ensure the model you download is specifically noted to work with X-Plane 11, as some 787 models were designed for older versions. Alternatives to the Free 787