Skywings Innovates - New Models and a New App

Over the past two years Panda models has risen to increasing prominence on the 1/400 scene and this has been partly fuelled by their relationship with Skywings, who have released over 40 models using Panda's moulds but their own branding. Skywings look to be driving innovation in the Chinese market and have released the first mobile app for model collectors that I am aware of. Plus they have new releases on the way both modern and classic and a partnership with another 1/400 manufacturer.

Skywings recent China Eastern A330 quartet - B-5930, B-5942, B-5926 and B-5291.

Skywings continue to release new models using the Panda moulds. The most recent were four Okay Airways 737-800s (with slightly different logos) and they have just released four China Eastern A330-200s. None of these are likely to float the boat of your average non-Chinese collector though they are all nicely made - if a little bland.

B-5942 has a 60th anniversary logo on it

The new app however has the potential to change the 1/400 market assuming it works the way I've been told. It isn't just a collection or forum app but a direct line to Skywings themselves. It is called 'StartCollector' and I am told it is a way for model collectors to part fund the construction of their wishlists. As it has been explained to me the user buys a model (not sure if money changes hands or whether this is like a pre-order) and when the number of 'buyers' reaches a total the model goes into the backlog to be made. The crowdfunders themselves recieve the model at a reduced rate and in a personalised box. Or so my Chinese speaking source tells me.

Needless to say this has massive possibilities for manufacturers being aligned with their customer base and actually listening to them. For that reason alone I can't see any of the major manufacturers actually ever doing this - they just don't seem very interested in what people might want. Aeroclassics stubbornly continue to produce models seemingly at random and whilst there is a lot of good stuff made there is also some pretty random fare. Gemini are even worse and are only listening to corporates.

Obviously this app is aimed at the Chinese collectors, however the requests I have seen are interesting and include at least one classic sure to keep jonny foreigner happy to. That is a CAAC 747SP, which is apparently under construction using the JC Wings mould. That has been an obvious best seller for years ignored by both JC and Gemini.

The other models announced through this app are equally interesting for their diversity. China Express is the biggest regional airline (with no mainline types) in China and it is not surprising that people would want a CRJ-900 of theirs. Again Skywings are looking at using the JC Wings mould.

The prototype ARJ-21 mould demonstrated last year

The remaining models are Shanghai Airlines 737-300s (passenger and freighter variants) and the long awaited Chengdu Airlines ARJ-21. It looks increasingly unlikely that any substantial number of the order backlog for the ARJ-21 will ever enter service, but Panda have shown a refreshing willingness to make niche types and the ARJ-21 is most welcome - to me at least. Ironically this one operator aircraft type is being made at a time we can't get obvious MD-80s, 757s or a new DC-9-10 mould.

So China marches on and Panda and Skywings continue to show initiative and attention to detail that the other manufacturers don't seem bothered to achieve.