Gemini Jets April 2022 Announcements

It seems as though Gemini Jets has something it hasn't really had in a while. Momentum. Everyone can do something well, but when you're unsure of what that is yourself, you tend to struggle. Gemini has been blasted for its lack of QC, and usually it's been justifiable. But it doesn't mean Gemini Jets should be avoided like the plague. Gemini has some of the best, and some of the only 1/400 scale moulds of small regional airplanes, and at long last, we are seeing them regularly. 

Air Canada Express CRJ-900: C-GJAN

The Gemini CRJ-900 mould has been used vary sparsely over the past few years until recently. Upon it's resonance, many collectors were soon let down by assembly issues on a long awaited Detla Jet. But before that 2021 debacle, 2017 was the last we saw of the CRJ-900 mould. Interestingly enough, that model was a Air Canada Express jet. That means, this is a rerelease. But it is also a commentary on the state of things between Air Canada and Gemini Jets as they have been featured regularly with last month having a 777 flaps up and down. 

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Alaska Skywest ERJ-175: N186SY

Built in 2016, this regional workhorse is one of sixty seven 170s in the Alaska fleet. This will be the third time the Gemini E-170 will get the Alaska Airlines treatment. One of the previous two releases were the specially themed Alaska Airlines "Veterans" livery. The other, a standard scheme, registered N182SY. As N186SY is also in a standard livery, this will effectively be another rerelease. This is still welcome as many people missed out on the first version. 

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Alliance Airlines F-70: VH-QQW

Remember that momentum I was talking about, Gemini pulling out it's Fokker line of moulds two months in a row is awesome. This is the third special Alliance livery we've gotten in the last calendar year, and I'd love at least one more in standard Alliance colors. 

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American Eagle CRJ-700: N706SK

The American Airlines fleet repaint continues. Nearly every American Eagle type has been released in the new livery save the CRJ-700. That all changes this month as collectors now have the opportunity to round out and modernize their American Eagle fleet. The Delta CRJ-700 I received last month was top notch, so I'm hoping this one will be as well. 

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Eastern Airlines 777-200ER: N771KW (Flaps up and down config.)
EAL currently has five 777s. Three of these are of the -200 variety and all of them are parked. This most recent iteration of Eastern is slowly gaining ground, but growth has certainly been impacted by challenges in the American airline industry concerning a pilot shortage, a decline in travel due to cutbacks in consumer spending, and the overall cost of fuel. While the aircraft sits idle, at least we have an opportunity at getting the former Singapore 777 represented in the scale. The flaps down option indicates the release will be on the sharp new JC mould. I have high hopes for this one. 

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Emirates A380-800: A6-EUV

Super jumbo number 239 was delivered to Emirates in 2017. When new, it was the 100th A380 for Emirates, and actually has already been made by Gemini, but was issued in the special "Year of Zayed" livery. This is the first standard Emirates A380 in quite a while and if for some reason you don't have a copy of an Emirates whale yet, you can look forward to getting one soon. If anything, this aircraft and it's its history is certainly synonymous with the Emirates brand.

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JetBlue A321neo: N4058J

The bumper month for Gemini also brings a JetBlue A321neo. This will surely be a popular pick, but it won't be one of mine. I despise the Gemini A320 line of moulds and will continue to look elsewhere (Panda) for quality modern A321s. Named "Mint, Mint, Wink, Wink" in reference to JetBlue's premium service, the streamer tail indicates the aircraft's trans-Atlantic service status. 

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 737-700: PH-BGI

In some ways, Gemini's business model is glaringly obvious. Just as with the 777-200/300 mould and the 787-9 mould, Gemini is trying to squeeze every ounce of usefulness out of a now antiquated mould. NG Models is the new leader in class, why you'd buy a Gemini 737-700 instead of wait for NG is a mystery to me. Either way, the sky blue KLM colors look nice on just about anything. PH-BGI has solely been with KLM since 2010 and is active.

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Loganair Saab 340B: ES-NSD

It was 2010 when Gemini first distributed the Saab 340 1/400. To this day, they have sole use of the mould. Since then it has been used 13 times. This plaid tailed 340 is model number 14, and while the selection is superb, many are not happy with the Estonian registration. I suspect this won't keep people from balking. This is a nice shot by Gemini and I sincerely hope it plays out for them because I'd love to see more 340s. 

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S7 Cargo 737-800F: VP-BEN

Sort of a bold move to pump a Russian model these days. Separating from geo-political issues, this 737-800F is a conversion from an old Ryanair jet delivered in 2002. In the same line of thinking as the KLM from this month, the Gemini 737-800 is a mediocre mould that is prone to see error in production. Aside from the bright green paint, there isn't much here to convince me to spend nearly $50. Just a flash in the pan. 

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United Airlines 757-200: N48127

At the tail end of the release schedule this month the magic finally runs out. Unless ADI has a top secret 757 mould they are ready to roll out, I've got nothing to say really. Gemini are late to the party with the new United colors on a 757 and NG has already hit a home run and is busy rounding third I might add. Gemini could have AT LEAST chosen a different registration. Oh well, imitation is a form of flattery?

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Conclusion: 
I think there is plenty here to be excited about if Gemini can execute. I'm most excited about the F-70, the CRJ-700, and the Saab 340. The willingness to take out some old moulds and to focus on small regional jets is great. This is something only Gemini can do. A step away from tubby old moulds and bland liveries is a welcome change. They're cooking in the kitchen now, let's see if what they roll out with is worth the calories.