VARIG: Fleet Update (2025)

I acquired my first Varig model, an MD-11 reg. PP-VOQ back in 2009. The model was already six years old at the time, and I was just getting into collecting. I bought the plane more because it was cheap not because I had an interest in Varig. Recent releases by Aeroclassics have compelled me to fleet build the airline. In 2025, I've added three more airframes. For an update on the collection, read on...

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The fleet is primarily made up of Aeroclassics models. The MD-11 is the sole outlier, made by Gemini Jets in 2003. All of the airplanes are wearing perhaps the most iconic livery that Varig flew. The livery, featuring a compass on the tail, and a profile of Icarus on the nose, was used from the 1960's until 1996.

Technically the fleet only has three real airplanes represented. PP-VLW is represented twice in both a combine configuration, as well as a strictly cargo layout. Somewhat surprisingly, the best model in the group is the oldest. The Gemini-MD-11 has a crisply printed livery and a polished underside. The weakest of the bunch is probably the A300, the most recently built model of the group. The A300 registered PP-VNE suffered from paint/printing issues (the blue on the chealine and nose is too dark). It also suffers from oddly bent wings, a new issue with recent Aeroclassics models in 2025. 

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Notes:
The Varig fleet will likely stay at four for the time being. I don't forecast that there will be many more models released in 2025 that will wear this livery. That being said, Varig is a very important South American airline whose presence in my collection will be a mainstay. For a closer look at the fleet, check out the Varig Collection page.