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The Age of
Regional Jets
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The common definition for regional jets, or RJs, is that they are commercial jet aircraft with 28-110 seat passenger capacity. Initially introduced to replace turbo props on short flights because of their perceived safety and modern image, they are now flying longer new routes and even mainline jet routes.
Why are Regional Jets so popular? Compared to turboprops, RJs provide a quieter, smoother ride since they can fly "above the weather." Passengers say the higher interior ceilings and wider aisles make RJs almost as comfortable as full-sized jets. The limited space allows only minimal carry-on baggage, but this is offset by being able to leave and retrieve luggage beside the plane, thus saving a trip to the luggage carousel. Airlines like the fact that RJs travel faster and higher, and cost less to fly. With a longer range of 1000-2000 miles, RJs can serve smaller cities without forcing a connection, allowing the airlines to augment existing services as well as establish new routes never before served nonstop.
Since the late 60s, regional carriers have evolved from small, independent mom-and-pop operations with a few propeller-driven aircraft to billion-dollar-a-year companies with fleets numbering in the hundreds of units. This transformation is more remarkable given that the production of dedicated regional airliners did not commence in earnest until the 70s and, although the concept of the 30-50 seat Regional Jet occurred as early as the mid-60s, the Regional Jet era did not begin until the early 90s.
Regional Jets have become an invaluable part of the regional airline network. While the vast majority of regional aircraft are operated by regional airlines that are either partially- or wholly-owned subsidiaries of major carriers, virtually all operate under the auspices of at least one major carrier partner, generally as code-sharing affiliates. The nature of the regional/major carrier partnership varies from company to company.
Regional jets enable continued rapid growth in the regional airline industry. However, when combined with the growth in major airline traffic, the downside is that many of the most active U.S. airports have been pushed to capacity, resulting in increased air traffic control congestion and unprecedented delays in scheduled flights. Also, RJs have moved regional airline traffic from the lower altitude domain of the turboprops into the increasingly crowded airspace where the larger jets fly.
Regional jet service is expected to continue to grow in both importance and scope. In addition, airlines recognize that with passengers being more discriminating now than ever, flying regional jet aircraft gives them more flexibility in responding to rapidly changing consumer preferences. As the rapid emergence of the RJ era has demonstrated, both airlines and their passengers give Regional Jets thumbs up all the way.
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Embraer RJ 135
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Embraer RJ 145
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Embraer RJ 170
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Among the very first airplanes purpose-built to meet the growing demand for high-density, short-haul air travel were the Shorts 330, 360, and deHavilland Dash 7 turboprops. These were replaced by the early Regional Jets, which included the Fokker F-28, BAC-111, and the HS-146 (BAe-146).
Today the most popular Regional Jet aircraft are the 50–seat Canadair CRJ-200, and the 70–seat CRJ-700, as well as the 37–seat Embraer ERJ-135, the 44–seat ERJ-140, and 50–seat ERJ-145.
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New Arrivals
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Now Available
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New Aircraft Type . . .
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This Flight Miniatures model represents ship N602AA, which was put into service for American Airlines in 1987.
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American Airlines 747SP
BO-747SPH-001 • Scale 1:200
American Airlines operated two Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) aircraft in their fleet--both purchased from TWA in 1986. The use of this aircraft type was discontinued by American Airlines in 1992. The last 747SP passenger service for American Airlines was on July 20, 1992, from London’s Heathrow International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
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The Boeing 747SP was 90 percent similar to the Boeing 747-100/200, the most noticeable difference being that the fuselage is 48 ft. 5 in. (14.7 meters) shorter. Other differences include structural changes in the wings, notably a simplified single-slotted flap system, and extended horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The reduced size and weight of the 747SP was designed for increased range, greater cruising speeds, and reduced fuel consumption.
Although the production of the Boeing 747SP was short-lived, this unique aircraft has captured the hearts and imagination of aircraft enthusiasts around the world. This American Airlines model is the first 1:200 scale Boeing 747SP model that Flight Miniatures is making available.
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Boeing Milestone Series . . .
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First Flight: February 9, 1969
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Demo Colors 747-100
BO-74710H-001 • Scale 1:200
The Boeing 747-100 is now available in 1:200 scale from Flight Miniatures. Although we have had 747-100 models in 1:250 scale for some time, we are now pleased to introduce this aircraft type in the new scale. The first model in the new scale, fittingly, is a replica of the very first Boeing 747 ever produced, in its historical roll-out livery.
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The gigantic 747 could hold 490 passengers and was converted to haul freight during the off hours. The aircraft was 231 feet, 4 inches long, with the tail taller than a six-story building. The 747-100 entered into service with Pan American Airlines in 1970. Boeing produced and delivered 250 of the 747-100s, the last in 1986. Two 747-100s became Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
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Demo Colors 727-200
BO-72720H-040 • Scale 1:200
This is the third Flight Miniatures model in the Boeing Milestone Series. The 727 was the only Boeing-built tri-jet in its time. The 727-200 was built in both freighter and passenger versions. Boeing originally planned to build only 250 of the 727-100 model. However, after the larger 189-passenger 727-200 version was introduced and shown around the world, the popularity of the 727 resulted in Boeing building 1,832, in all versions, between 1962 and 1984.
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The Boeing 727-200 took its first flight on July 27, 1967.
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The versatility and reliability of this aircraft made it the best selling airliner in the world during the first 30 years of jet transport service.
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Airline Preservation Series
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Northwest DC-3
DC-00300C-009 • Scale 1:100
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After sitting on display outside the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, for nearly thirty years, Ship 728 -- NC21728 -- has been restored and now hangs inside the 12-acre museum building at the entrance to the Heroes of the Sky exhibit.
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Ship 728 began life in 1939 as a standard 21-passenger version and saw service with Eastern Airlines, before being sold to North Central Airlines in 1952. When North Central retired No. 728 from scheduled service in April 1965, the plane had flown 83,032 hours and more than 12 million miles—the equivalent of more than 9 years in the air and 25 round trips to the moon!
No. 728 was refurbished by North Central and converted into a VIP aircraft. Passenger seats were removed in the main cabin and replaced with sofas and easy chairs. Airline executives flew in No. 728 until 1974, when the plane was donated to the Henry Ford Museum. North Central merged with Southern Airways in 1979 to become Republic Airlines, which was later purchased by Northwest Airlines in 1986.
The plane is painted in vintage Northwest Airlines livery in acknowledgement of the key role that company played in making the exhibit -- and the restoration of No. 728 -- a reality. For more information, visit www.TheHenryFord.org.
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Historical Livery Series
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Northwest Orient 747-100
BO-74710H-002 • Scale 1:200
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N601US, delivered to Northwest Orient on April 10, 1970, was the 27th 747-100 built by Boeing, and the first 747-100 in Northwest’s fleet.
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This model of Northwest Orient Airlines N601US represents the livery used from 1970 to 1985. During this period Northwest Orient operated ten Boeing 747-100 aircraft in its fleet.
In 1985 Northwest reorganized and changed the airline name to Northwest Airlines. The livery was kept the same -- with the exception of dropping “Orient” from the title -- until 1989, at which time a new livery was adopted.
The Boeing 747-100 was the world’s first “Jumbo Jet” and entered commercial service in 1970. Boeing delivered 250 of the 747-100s, the last in 1986. The 747-100 was then the workhorse of Northwest Orient’s long-haul services.
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Eurofighters EF-2000
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Italy Eurofighter -- EF-20000A-002 • Scale 1:48
English Eurofighter -- EF-20000A-003 • Scale 1:48
Desert Camo Eurofighter -- EF-20000A-004 • Scale 1:48
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The Eurofighter Aircraft is the product of the combined effort of four European nations. The United Kingdom and Germany are responsible for most of the plane, with Italy and Spain making a contribution as well.
British Aerospace builds the nose, cockpit, canards, inboard flaps and rear tail with rudder. Rolls-Royce makes the engine. The center fuselage is made in Germany. The right wing and leading edge of both wings are made in Spain. The left wing and outboard flaps are made in Italy. The rear fuselage is built by both the United Kingdom and Italy.
The manufacturers say this aircraft is the most advanced fighter aircraft made so far.
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The Eurofighter in Desert Camouflage colors.
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Luxair Embraer RJ145
EM-14500C-010 • Scale 1:100
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Luxair was formed in 1961 when the Luxembourg Airlines Company, created in 1948, was reorganized to meet the requirements of air travelers between Luxembourg and other European countries. Luxair took delivery of the first Embraer in 1998.
The Embraer is produced in Brazil and is equipped with Rolls Royce Allsion engines. The Embraer has a wingspan of 66 feet and length of 98 feet and carries 49 passengers.
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Eurocypria Airlines 737-800
BO-73780H-028 • Scale 1:200
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Eurocypria Airlines is a charter carrier of Larnaca, Republic of Cyprus. Established in 1992, the airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cyprus Airways, the flag carrier of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Airline chose the 737-800 for its superior capacity, range, and overall economic value. The 737-800’s winglets allow the airplane to fly up to 130 nautical miles farther than it otherwise would. Winglets added to a 737-800 can reduce fuel burn by up to 4 percent on longer flights, reduce noise on takeoffs, improve the airplane’s takeoff performance, increase the amount of weight the airplane can carry and lower engine maintenance costs.
The 737-800 is powered by CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of Snecma of France and General Electric of the United States. Eurocypria has the capacity to carry 189 passengers.
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The Boeing “Next-Generation” 737-800 will be the first 737 with winglets to operate out of the Republic of Cyprus.
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Thai Airways 747-400
BO-74740D-013 • Scale 1:130
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In the larger 1:130 scale, this model shows off the beautiful, rich colors of Thai Airways.
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Thai Airways was formed in 1951 when the Thai government purchased shares in three small private airlines. During the early years Thai Airways served regional destinations with propeller-driven aircraft. In 1966, the first all jet service began, opening new routes. By 1970, Thai Airways carried a half million passengers. In 1971, Thai Airways went international, landing in Sydney, Australia. Thai Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 747 in October of 1979.
The 747-400 model we offer is in a scale of 1:130, showing the beautiful Thai Airways livery incorporating the colors of Thailand -- the gold found in her temples, the magenta of her silks, and the rich purple of her orchids. The 747-400 has a length of 231.8 ft. and a wingspan of 64.2 ft.; the aircraft model has a length of 21.5” and a wingspan of 20”.
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“The Spirit of Delta” New Colors 767-200
BO-76720H-017 • Scale 1:200
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On June 27, 2002 a rededication ceremony was held for the unveiling of “The Spirit of Delta” in the new Delta colors.
In 1982 Delta had suffered financial losses due to a downturn in traffic but was committed to keeping all of its employees. To reciprocate this commitment, Delta employees raised $30 million in payroll deductions to purchase Delta’s first Boeing 767, which was named “The Spirit of Delta”.
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"The Spirit of Delta" in the new Delta colors.
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Air New Zealand 767-300
BO-76730I-002 • Scale 1:250
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Air New Zealand began in April 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Ltd. (TEAL), using seaplanes, also known as flying boats. In 1951 routes were established between Auckland and Tahiti, via Fiji and the Cook Islands. In October 1953 the governments of New Zealand and Australia jointly owned TEAL. Then in 1961 the New Zealand government took full ownership. The airline was renamed Air New Zealand in 1965, which coincided with the arrival of its first jet aircraft. In 1989, the New Zealand government privatized Air New Zealand, selling the company to a consortium of investors.
The Boeing 767-300 is 105.6 ft. long, with a wingspan of 94.8 ft. It has two CFM56-3C-1 engines and carries 136 passengers. The Air New Zealand 767-300 model we offer is in 1:250 scale and 9” long, with 7.625” wingspan.
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Click above to purchase new models.
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From the Netherlands…
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In November 1999, our youngest son gave me a present for my birthday -- a model of an aircraft, the KLM Boeing 747-400, 1:250 scale. That was the beginning. The next seven models of this series which I bought were Air France, B.A., Lufthansa, Northwest, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines.
In January I found the website of Flight Miniatures and you had many models I was looking for -- the Boeing 747, DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 -- every model in 1:250 scale. I now have 101 models in my collection, including 50 models from Flight Miniatures. There are still many airliners I don’t have, such as Air India, Pan Am, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Swiss Air, Sabena, Varig, Braniff, El Al, Emirates, and maybe other small cargo airliners. Maybe there are readers who can help me with some of the models I do not have.
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Jan's collection is housed in a room at the top of his 3–storey house in Katwijk, Netherlands.
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I live in the town I grew up in, a town called Katwijk in the Netherlands. Since it is near the Navy Air Base Valkenburg, I have seen many navy aircraft, such as the Sea Fury and the Sea Hawk, the B-25 Mitchell, Flying Boats, Catalina, the Martin Mariner, Avengers, Harpoons, and later the Lockheed Neptune P2V5 and the P2V7, Atlantic, and now the Lockheed Orion. It was very interesting for me because my military tour of duty was in the Royal Netherlands Air Force. During that time, Hawker Hunter by Air Defence and the Republic Thunderstreak and the Thunderflash by Tactical Commmand were flying, and a transport squadron flew the Fokker F-27 Friendship.
I used to be a self-employed commercial flower grower. I grew tulips, chrysanthemums and lilies -- a whole other world than aviation!
I retired from my job with flowers in 2001. Now I have a new hobby, and that is collecting aircraft models. It is a hobby I enjoy. I also took up horse riding.
Best regards,
Jan C. Zuyderduyn
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Before his retirement as a commercial flower grower, it was probably easy for Jan to wake up and go to work every morning -- he could look forward to being surrounded by beautiful flowers all day!
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Showcase YOUR Collection
in the Collector's Corner!
Here's your chance to share your model collection, and brag a little . . . you're allowed.
Digital photos can be emailed. Hard copies should be mailed and will be returned on request.
We'd love to hear from you!
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Meet Our Customer Service Staff
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Have you ever been on the phone with a customer service representative and wondered what the person looked like, who they were? Well, here at Genesis Worldwide we think you would be more comfortable talking to someone you know rather than a stranger. So we do our best to make sure that you talk to the same people every time you call. This gives you the opportunity to get to know your customer service representatives and it gives them the pleasure of getting to know you. We would also like to help you put a face to the voice when you call us.
Andrea Lee was the person behind the phone when you called and placed your order for individual models, at the retail level. She has recently been transferred to our Wholesale Team. While you may still speak to her, her primary service area will be to our wholesale customers. She has been with our company for almost two years, bringing with her over 36 years of customer service experience. She has lived in Cottonwood for 11 years with her husband and her cat. “What I enjoy most is talking to our customers and helping them with their orders,” says Andrea. “Many of our customers have been with us for some time, and I want to do my best for them.”
The newest member of our team is Victoria Encinas. She is the customer service representative you will speak to when you call to place your order for individual models. Vicky is an Arizona native who comes to us with 8 years of customer service experience, and she’s looking forward to using her skills to help you. We welcome her, and we know that you do too.
Whether you are ordering through our online shopping cart, email, phone, or fax, Victoria and Andrea are a part of almost every facet of the ordering process. As our customer service representatives, they take pride in making sure that you get what you want and you are pleased with what you get. They personally guarantee that you will receive quick, accurate, and friendly service.
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Customer Service Representative Andrea
Until fairly recently, you probably spoke with Andrea everytime you called us. Now she is taking care of our wholesale customers.
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Customer Service Representative Victoria
(she'll also answer to Vicky or Tori)
She's taking over from Andrea, so she'll be the person you will speak with when you call.
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We're Moving! 
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Genesis Worldwide Enterprises has grown significantly over the last 13 years and, to accommodate this growth, construction on our new building has just been completed. So, we are moving! If you contact us after July 14th, you will find us in our new corporate offices and main warehouse -- a 29,000 sq. ft. facility nestled in the beautiful Verde Valley about 100 miles north of Phoenix.
What is really exciting -- especially for those of you who have visited us in the past – is our new Models Display in the reception area, which is an expanded walk-in showcase for exhibiting the aircraft models. We hope to display as many of our models as possible.
Along with the Flight Miniatures aircraft models, which we are adding to all the time, we are also expanding our other product lines under Genesis Worldwide Enterprises. These include headphones and electronics products, and international logistics, warehouse/distribution and fulfillment services. Our full-service graphics department provides graphics services on demand. (You can get more information on our other products at www.genesisworldwide.biz.)
Look for the feature article on our new facility in the October newsletter.
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© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Genesis Worldwide Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks: Flight Miniatures products, other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.
Last update June 2003
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Phone: 888-777-6311 - Fax: 928-634-6700 - Email: