Gemini Jets GJSAA036 SAA South African Airways Boeing 747 SP-44 1:400 Scale REG#ZS-SPB 

1/400 Scale Diecast Model Mint in Box RETIRED 1999

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Gemini Jets Models

• South African Airways (SAA) is the national flag carrier and largest airline of South Africa, with headquarters in Airways Park on the grounds of OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The airline flies to 38 destinations worldwide from its hub at OR Tambo International Airport, using a fleet of 54 aircraft. The airline is headed by CEO Monwabisi Kalawe. South African Airways was founded in 1934 after the acquisition of Union Airways by the South African government. The airline was initially overseen and controlled by South African Railways and Harbours Administration. It suffered imposed sanctions by African countries during apartheid, which forced it to adopt long-range aircraft and other measures to counter these restrictions. During this time, it was also known by its Afrikaans name, Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens (SAL), which has been dropped. In 1997 a major overhaul programme, which involved a change of name, image and aircraft livery, as well as the introduction of online ticketing services, was carried out by the company's board. The carrier has since joined airline alliance Star Alliance, and replaced its fleet with newer aircraft. In 2006, SAA split from Transnet, its parent company, to operate as an independent airline. SAA is the official airline of the Association of Tennis Professionals. SAA owns Mango, a low cost domestic airline, and has established links with Airlink and South African Express. Furthermore, SAA is currently and historically the only African airline to be classified with the prestigious 4-star airline ranking from Skytrax.  In addition, SAA has also celebrated being recognized as Africa's Best Airline during the Skytrax World Airline Awards for many years.

• The Boeing 747SP is a modified version of the Boeing 747 jet airliner which was designed for ultra-long-range flights. The SP stands for "Special Performance". Compared with its predecessor, the 747-100, the 747SP retains its wide-body, four-engine layout, along with its double-deck design, but has a shortened fuselage, larger tailplane, and simplified trailing edge flaps. The weight saved by the shortened fuselage permits longer range and increased speed relative to other 747 configurations. Known during development as the short-body 747SB, the 747SP was designed to meet a 1973 joint request from Pan American World Airways and Iran Air, who were looking for a high-capacity airliner with sufficient range to cover Pan Am's New York–Middle Eastern routes and Iran Air's planned Tehran–New York route. The aircraft also was intended to provide Boeing with a mid-size wide-body airliner to compete with existing trijet airliners. The 747SP first entered service with Pan Am in 1976. The aircraft was later acquired by VIP and government customers. While in service, the 747SP set several aeronautical performance records, but sales did not meet the expected 200 units, and production ultimately totaled 45 aircraft.

Gemini Jets! These, 1/400 scale die cast metal airliner replicas; represent the world's airlines both past and present. Each model is highly collectible, and all regular releases are limited to production runs of 2500 pieces. Highly collectible, superior quality, as real as it gets features, realistic landing gear, detailed printed graphics. The models are highly collectible and are all limited editions. As with all limited edition collectibles, it is their policy at GeminiJets not to reissue any models that have been sold out.  They have gone to great lengths to provide you a die cast metal airliner that replicates your favorite aircraft, without sacrificing accuracy.

·  They actually use the aircraft manufacturers blueprints and Pantone color charts, to assure accurate duplication.

·  These rare models come in a specially designed box, and include an individually registration number personalizing each aircraft to enhance it's collectible value. 

·   Because of the very limited quantities, we anticipate that these models will sell rather fast. 

·  This scaled aircraft model makes great gifts for airline employees, retirees and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. This detailed airplane model was produced to specifications from the aircraft manufacturer and the airline company. It reflects, as accurately the paint scheme of the airline and has many details that are not usually found on other models in this scale. Each model is meticulously finished for unsurpassed quality. This scaled model was produced is accurately painted and professionally detailed. Detailed display stand, for desktop display available, but not included.

·         Mint condition, never removed from the box

Collectors item: Not suitable for children under 14