Development Update: Ancona Falconara Airport (LIPY)

We are excited to share an in-depth progress update on one of our most ambitious upcoming sceneries: Ancona Falconara Airport (LIPY) for X-Plane 12.

Rebuilt From Scratch

This iteration of Ancona is being completely rebuilt from the ground up by Skybound Studios. Rather than a quick port, we are re-crafting the entire airport to bring it up to modern X-Plane 12 standards—giving it a fresh look with realistic surface materials, dynamic lighting, and detailed layout work.

Ancona Falconara Airport Runway Approach Figure 1: Runway 04 with updated surface markings and night lighting.

Partnering with Barelli MSFS Addons

To bring this project to life, we’re collaborating with Barelli MSFS Addons, who have generously provided their original 3D models and layout guidance as the foundation for this scenery.

From there, Skybound Studios is handling all the heavy lifting to adapt and rebuild the project natively for X-Plane:

  • Model Conversion & Material Setup: Adapting the 3D terminal, cargo buildings, and surrounding objects so they render natively with realistic reflections and textures.
  • Custom Groundwork & Layout: Re-doing the taxiway lines, safety hatches, stand markings, and ground wear to match the real-world airport layout.
  • Terminal & Cargo Areas: Bringing the main terminal structure, sun-shades, glass reflections, and cargo hubs (UPS/DHL) into the scene with proper placement and detailing.

Ancona Terminal Architecture Figure 2: The distinctive main terminal structure and glass façade.

What We’re Working On

  • Ground Textures & Markings: Adding realistic concrete texturing, wear, and accurate stand markings across the main apron and taxiways.
  • Cargo Apron Support: Complete layout of the cargo area, including dedicated stands for freighters like the B737 and B767.
  • Custom Lighting: Setting up bright apron lights, runway lighting, and soft ambient glows around the terminal windows for night flying.
  • X-Plane 12 Features: Full support for wet surface reflections, dynamic rain, and seasonal weather effects.

Ancona Cargo Apron & Markings Figure 3: Main apron ground layout and parking stands near the cargo area.

What’s Next?

We’re currently placing final clutter objects, tweaking lighting levels, and running performance checks across the airfield to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Keep an eye out for more previews as we get closer to release!