Fellow aviation geeks alert. Budget carrier SpiceJet is selling special limited edition scale models of its Boeing 737-800 VT-SZK, something sure to be of interest to dedicated model collectors like me. This is the first time I have seen an Indian airline selling these high quality models.
VT-SZK is Red Chilli the airline’s flagship aircraft wearing the special ‘with all our heart’ livery featuring the crew of SpiceJet.
I happened to discover these limited edition models during a visit to SpiceJet head-quarters. There are two models.
- 1:100 scale model manufactured by SkyMarks. High density snap fit plastic, very high level of detail, rubber tyres, moving fan blades, on a wooden stand. About 310mm long. Rs 9,499 + VAT + Rs 500 shipping and handling.
- 1:200 scale model manufactured by GeminiJets. Diecast metal, high level detail, stand. Rs 6,999 + VAT + Rs 200 shipping and handling.
These models feature the Sun Group logo which has now been removed from SpiceJet aircraft after Ajay Singh has bough the airline from the Marans. Apparently these models are fast selling out despite the fact they are expensive. After all they are collectors items.
I discovered the airline website has more information on how to purchase these models here.
Budget carrier IndiGo sells 1:200 plastic models for Rs 1,500 on board their flights, which while good, would not be considered collector’s editions like the SpiceJet models.
If bought from ebay, the Gemini Jet model costs around 80 USD which is around INR 5000. That turns out to be much cheaper then bought from Spicejet.