GeminiJets 1/200 scale Qantas Airbus A330-300 diecast model is As Real as it Gets and measures approximately 12-1/2-inches long with an 11-7/8-inch wingspan. An Official Licensed Product that is manufactured by GeminiJets as a limited edition, highly collectible model, this Qantas Airbus A330-300 – Registration VH-QPH – has been meticulously recreated from Airbus’ blueprints and features realistic landing gear along with detailed graphics and markings, assuring the utmost accuracy and superior quality. A Display Stand is included.
During the 1980s, Airbus was beginning to prove itself as a reputable alternative to the popular established American aircraft manufacturers. However, Airbus realized that to succeed in the marketplace, they would have to develop a longer-range airliner that would embody the same qualities as their successful short and medium range A320 and A300 airliners that were already in service. Consequently, Airbus developed the A330 and A340 aircraft, their first long-range airliners.
While the first A340-200 took to the skies in October 1991, with Lufthansa as the launch customer, Air France was the initial operator of the longer bodied A340-300. To ensure further reliability over the longer ranges that these aircraft were planned to fly, both A340s were equipped with four engines.
During this same period, Airbus was concurrently developing the new medium-range, twin engine A330-330, which first flew in November 1992. The A330-300 had a 7,300-mile range and could typically seat up to 300 passengers in a mixed-class configuration. The French domestic carrier, Air Inter, that later merged with Air France, was the first to fly the A330-300.
While the A330 and the A340 aircraft, which both utilize Airbus’ “Fly by Wire” System, have been successfully operating for more than three decades, Airbus has developed newer, improved versions of these types, designated as the A330-800neo and A330-900neo aircraft.
