Own a piece of aviation history with this 1:200 scale model of VIASA Venezuelan Airlines’ McDonnell Douglas DC-10 manufactured by Inflight 200. Crafted with precision with diecast metal this commercial airliner features detailed engines and fan blades, making it a perfect addition to any aircraft or airline collection. The model comes with a stand and is a limited edition, making it a rare find for aviation enthusiasts.

This DC-10 with registration number YV-137C, is a discontinued model, originally released in late 2011 making it even more special. This DC-10 model is perfect for collectors aged 17 years and up and showcases the beauty and elegance of the aircraft family. Made in China, this model is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the art of aviation.

Viasa Venezuelan Airlines was the national carrier of Venezuela until it ceased operations in January 1997.

Venezuelan authorities had the goal of launching an airline that did not need state intervention. The carrier was founded on November 21st, 1960, and the capital was split between the government, LAV, Avensa, and Pan American. Notably, the private sector made up the entire board.

The maiden flight on April 2nd, 1961 was in partnership with KLM, seeing the Dutch carrier fly a DC-8 on behalf of the new South American outfit. The aircraft left Caracas and stopped in the Azores, Lisbon, Madrid, and Rome on the way to Amsterdam. On the way back the Douglas plane headed to Curaçao, Bogotá, and lima after landing in the capital of Venezuela.

With operations underway, Simón Bolívar International Airport had the opportunity to become a major gateway to South America, much like how Colombia’s El Dorado is today.

Viasa added Iberia to its list of European partners, helping operations grow throughout the 1960s. By the spring of 1966, the airline was flying a DC-8-50 and three Convair 880s. Additional DC-8s soon joined the fold along with the DC-9-10. Rapid growth even spurred it to start a Panamanian carrier in the form of PAISA.

There was a fatal accident on March 16th, 1969. A Douglas DC-9 performing Viasa Flight 74 crashed when taking off from Maracaibo-Grano de Oro Airport, killing all 84 occupants and 71 people on the ground.

Despite the tragedy, every year since its formation until 1976, the airline reported a profit. However, rising fuel costs and union issues saw the government nationalize the company.

Viasa took pride in representing its country. Unlike the hardships that Venezuela’s economy is facing in the present day, the country’s industry was rising, which the airline was keen to make the most of.

A 1980 Viasa marketing promotion in New York Magazine stated:

“As the flagship of Venezuela, Viasa is the ambassador of our country in 28 cities on 3 continents. Vibrant as Venezuela's booming economy, as warm as its people; Viasa is Venezuela.From our reservation agents to our baggage handlers; from our gourmet chefs to our ground hostesses, from our efficient ground crews to our superb flight crews, Viasa trains all to bring you the best service on the ground and in the air. What we needn't bother to teach is what comes naturally to everyone at Viasa - the warm Venezuelan hospitality. It's because so much skill and planning goes into your flight on the ground, that we're so good in the air.”

The 1980s saw the DC-10 and even the Airbus A300 join the fold. Domestic service also began by the time the decade was over. The company was ready to be privatized, and Iberia made a $145.5 million bid to take on 60% of the airline in the summer of 1991.

Viasa experimented with several aircraft types. Photo: Pedro Aragão via Wikimedia Commons

The new structure didn't last long. All the airline's planes were placed under Iberia's ownership and Iberia's old Boeing 727s were put on Viasa routes against American Airlines Boeing 757s and Airbus A330s along with United Airlines Boeing 757s. Additionally, all supplies had to be bought centrally via Madrid.

In the end, Viasa struggled to find liquidity and the carrier stopped flying on January 23rd, 1997. Ahead of this date, crew members rejected a restructuring plan with Iberia and a state-run holding company that had a 40% share both refusing to inject additional funds. The move was then made to liquidate the airline.

Viasa had plenty of memorable moments during this run. It was the first Latin American carrier to fly the Boeing 747, which joined on lease in 1972. Other favorites such as the Lockheed Super Constellation and MD-80 were also part of the fleet over the years, assisting the airline to operate to the likes of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom.