The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Ignore the "five" in the subject heading because there are SIX major gaps in this hobby for Canadian aviation collectors. I'm hoping I can convince the manufacturers to narrow the gap. There are currently six Canadian airlines with year round scheduled domestic jet service - Air Canada, Westjet, Air North, Canadian North, First Air, and Air Inuit. Four of those carriers, Air North, First Air, Canadian North and Air Inuit, have never been featured in 1/200 diecast. Additionally, there are two international jet air carriers in Canada - Air Transat and Sunwing. Like the four mentioned above, Air Transat and Sunwing have had no love from manufacturers. It's such a shame because without Air North, First Air, Canadian North, Air Inuit, Air Transat and Sunwing, there is a HUGE gap for Canadian commercial airline collectors. Not only that, but these are beautiful aircraft.

Air North has been in service since 1977 and has flown a variety of aircraft from the Douglas DC-3 and DC-4 to the Hawker Siddeley 748 to a fleet of Boeing 737s (200, 200C, 400, 500, 500 w/winglets). They are based out of Whitehorse, Yukon and serve all of the northern Yukon communities as well as major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Whitehorse, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Yellowknife. They also fly charters across Canada and the US and are often selected by major sports teams because of their exceptional standards and service. Their current livery with the bright orange tail is very attention grabbing and garners quite a bit of attention wherever it goes. Previously, their Hawker Siddeley HS748s were painted white with blue, orange and yellow striping down the side. Their original classic green and yellow livery was also quite striking and served their DC-3s and DC-4 well.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzitBShCIAAS8Y1.jpg

First Air is also largely Boeing, but has replaced their Hawker fleet with ATR 42s and 72s (Air North has also announced their intent to do the same). First Air has also previously operated 727s, 767s, and C-130 Hercules. The current fleet feature different arctic animals and scenes on their tails. The previous livery had bold yellow, orange, pink and blue stripes down the side. First Air has the distinction of being the last commercial airline to operate the Boeing 727 in Canada. First Air is based out of Ottawa, Ontario and primarily services Canada's arctic.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviatio.../2/1224203.jpg

Canadian North has one of the best liveries in the world. It combines the northern lights, the midnight sun, and a polar bear and it beautifully adorns their fleet of Boeing 737-200Cs, 737-300s, and DHC-8s. They are based out of Calgary, Alberta and offer scheduled domestic service as well as cargo and charter operations servicing northern Canada. Canadian North has been in operation since 1989.

http://i.cbc.ca/1.1695099.1444044429...uit-summer.jpg

Air Inuit was founded in 1978 and is based out of Dorval, Quebec. Although they primarily operate prop aircraft, the airline has acquired two Boeing 737-200C aircraft. They offer a niche service by flying sked flights and cargo services all across northern Quebec as well as offering a charter service. One of the greatest liveries of any airline out there.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7148/6...f6534e1853.jpg

Air Transat is based out of Montreal, Quebec and have been operating since 1987. They are the "greenest airline in the world" and have won many awards including the 2012 Skytrax World's Best Leisure Airline Award. Their fleet of Airbus A310, A330, and Boeing 737-800 aircraft are common sights worldwide as they offer flights connecting Canada to Europe, Central America, the United States, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/...GBH)(46)-M.jpg

Sunwing has exclusively flown Boeing 737-800s from the beginning. Their fleet has been updated with scimitars winglets and they are currently undergoing a revamp to a new paint scheme (which looks suspiciously similar to Easyjet). Sunwing is based out of the Etobicoke district of Toronto, Ontario. They fly from Canada to vacation destinations and offer no year-round domestic service.

http://www.airteamimages.com/pics/220/220761_800.jpg

Although there are quite a number of defunct airlines that Canadian collectors would love to collect, it's the airlines that we currently fly on that we are connecting with today. Without Air North, First Air, Canadian North, Air Inuit, Air Transat and Sunwing models in our collections, we'll never feel properly represented in the world of diecast model collecting.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I think the problem with those airlines is that they don't appeal to collectors outside Canada as they only operate domestically (besides Sunwing). While having beautiful liveries the market might be too small. I agree with you that Air Transat is under represented however.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I agree. Is it just me that thinks it weird that they overlook all these great 737s then at the same time make 2 Canadian military DHC-8-100s?

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

RCAF is pretty good represented. HM released a bunch of Canadian military models and some of them really seemed to sell well.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

There are tons of model airliners that are largely domestic to a small region that have been made. Canadians buy a lot of models and most planes produced are limited to 300-500 units. Plus, it's not as if only Canadians fly in Canada. I think the appeal is broader than you think too. A great looking model is a great looking model.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Wouldn't that mean that Qantas 737s were of no interest outside Australia? We have seen those. Canada is also much larger than most "domestic" territories. Many European airlines could fit their route structures inside Canada.

That said, there may be fewer Canadian collectors than in other parts of the world. In any case, it's a shame that these airlines are not better represented. I have seen a few of them on trips North of the Border and would be tempted if they were produced.

Wasn't there a thread on Air North customs a while back?

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Qantas is a totally different story. It's a major carrier. Just compare major carrier releases to small carrier releases and you'll notice that they make up the majority of all releases. Smaller carriers are underrepresented all over the globe not just Canada. I think the best chances out the ones mentioned here are Air Transat and Sunwing. The others while still beautiful might be to special for the 9-5 collector. Also I think there's only one manufacturer with a 737-200 mould and we haven't seen any 737-200 releases lately. The last one that I can remember was the Pan Am one and that dumped heavily.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

You said yourself that a lot of the RCAF models sold quite well and most of us have never flown on any of those. They weren't all modern jet fighters either. Lots of transport and patrol aircraft. Everyone has their own collection criteria.

How many Allegient models are out there?

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I think your best bet would be to find a Canadian retailer to commission one of those models or the airline itself. If you look at most the smaller European airlines 737-200 they have been commissioned either by ARD or Aviationmegastore. I think about 80% of the latest releases are made up by maybe ten airlines. Just look at the number of Delta, American, KLM, Cathay releases lately.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Yeah, you're definitely on to something there. The Canadian Warplane Heritage has done this with historic military aircraft in the past.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

And maybe if one of them is done and sells well this will open the door for the other airlines.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I should mention that JC Wings did release a 1/200 Canadian North Dash 8 and Aeroclassics did quite a few 1/400 Canadian North releases. It's almost impossible to find the Aeroclassics 737 releases for less than $90 now. The JC Wings release, for some reason, was a plane leased by Canadian North and did not carry the full livery. I do have it in my collection though, and I do love it.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I think you hit the nail squarely on the head. Although there is probably some interest in Canada, I agree the interest in these liveries is not enough to justify a production run. However, if the airlines themselves were to license and/or order these liveries for airline sales, then I think you would stand a fighting chance to see that livery actually produced.

Other than that, I think you will have to settle for the occasional release. I just don't think wide scale releases of these liveries are commercially viable.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Air Transat and Sunwing would definitely be commercially viable - especially Air Transat. It's a major international airline. There was a lot of noise a little while back for a Canadian North release, but it never happened. Air North would appeal most to me, being a Yukoner myself.

The trouble is that nobody's tried any of these so it's impossible to tell how "commercially viable" they would be. There are a lot of models that are surprisingly popular, and a lot of others (U.S. Airways special liveries, anyone?) that are surprisingly unpopular. Until we see one of them produced, it's all just speculation how well they may or may not do.

My main argument for the potential success is to look at the 1/200 RCAF releases. You can't deny that fans of Canadian aviation do shell out for cool releases. I don't think this would be any different.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Nice post. As an American ATC, I'm familiar with the callsigns of Yukon, Air Transat, and Sungwings but I had no idea what they look like since everything looks like a / on a scope. Thanks for the quick summary.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

We own Inflight200 Canjet and Westjet 737-200s and would LOVE to see a Air Transat L1011 done in 1:200 even if they no longer have the Aircraft

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I have to admit that are few lovely looking classic B737's here and defenately will sell well outside Canadian market,
I remember about 6-7 years I bought a diecast 1:72 CF-105 Arrow that it was commissioned to a Canadian heritage club/or something like that.
I am trying to say that if you want a model doesn't have to be near you,with the today's technology you can reach any place of the world with in minutes to order your model.

Regards Modestos

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

The line obviously has to be drawn somewhere, but if including airlines such as Air Inuit, then we ought to include North Cariboo Air as they are fairly prolific these days. They also use the Bae-146 so there is a chance to have a unique aircraft in the collection. Count me in for all of the suggestions put forward so far.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

SM200 did it.....

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Spotted an Air North 737-200 at Las Vegas today parked right alongside the grounded single engine BA 777...A rare spotting indeed

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

OH, they did? Wish I could find one


By the way, did you get a photo of the Air North 732?

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I would not mind seeing a 1:200 model of this beauty.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

What about this long and forgotten gem :p

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I have been waiting for the 1011 for a while too. The sm200 1011 is a -500 and I havent seen one for well over a year on evilbay or the sm200 vendors. A blank 1011 and v1decals decal might be the path I take.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Do you have a photo of the Air Transat one?

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...-arrivals.html

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Yeah, they do an annual in-house charter flight to Las Vegas. Wish I could have gone this year.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Ultimately, there's more to Canadian aviation than Air Canada and WestJet. It's time for something different for us Canadian collectors. We need something to get excited about.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Quote YOWguy I have been waiting for the 1011 for a while too. The sm200 1011 is a -500 and I havent seen one for well over a year on evilbay or the sm200 vendors. A blank 1011 and v1decals decal might be the path I take.
Quote:



Age is catching up with me..I've had this model in my collection the whole time and forgot! And now I cant post photo because it says invalid photo when I go to upload...Oh well

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

If you ever chose to part with it - let me know.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Getting back to the topic of Air North, a new analysis from Fortune Magazine has ranked Air North, the #2 most loved airline in the world! The survey, conducted by Delray Beach, Fla.-based marketing agency Fractl on behalf of charter company Stratos Jets, analyzed 1.3 million tweets during the last holiday travel period for 70 world airlines. The resulting article lists the 10 most hated airlines and the 10 most loved and can be read here:

These 3 Airlines Get the Most Hate on Social Media

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

With Air North getting an ATR 42-300 release courtesy of GeminiJets (it's parked next to my Canadian North DHC-8), this gives me hope that other airlines may follow. Who's next? First Air? Sunwing? Air Transat? Air Inuit? I'd love to see more out of Air North and Canadian North as well.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Please be Sunwing. :)

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I agree with you

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Nordair, Quebecair, Pacific Western, Transair, Eastern Provincial, Zoom, Airs: Atlantic, BC, Nova and Ontairio; Great Lakes are some of the ones all gone but would be nice to have

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Absolutely to all of the above. But the current jet carriers should be represented at the very least.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

Too bad you collect the wrong scale; the majority of that stuff has been done in 1/400 scale by AeroClassics. They even released a Calm Air (Canadi>n Partners) HS-748 this month. :cool:

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I started out collecting 1/400. I don't enjoy them nearly as much as 1/200 and have pretty much stopped collecting 1/400 altogether now. Not detailed enough, and if they are, the details are too small to enjoy.

Re: The FIVE Current Canadian Airlines most overlooked by diecast model makers
 

I have 1 1/400 747 and my rational is the same.