NG Models, Alaska Airlines 737-700: N618AS

NG Models developed their 737-700 mould in very short order relative to the company's beginning. That stands in stark contrast to how long N618AS has been a part of the Alaska Airlines fleet. The airframe was delivered to AS in April of 2000. That means this workhorse is pushing 23 years of age. NG Models have gone full steam with their 2021 casting creating up 24 models as of January 2023. They've only made two Alaska 737-7s, this one and a cargo variant. 

Airframe specifications provided by Planespotters.net.

---

This model airplane is a replica of Boeing 737-790(WL). The airplane was completed in April 2000. The airplane was ordered by Alaska Airlines and has never been dismissed from the airline. Alaska Airlines has 14 737-700s, one of which is parked. The fleet average age is 22.6 years. It is likely just a short time before we see these aircraft phased out of the AS fleet. The recent departure of all A320 series aircraft (minus ten A321s) which were absorbed when Virgin America merged with AS, has created a void in the fleet. In October 2022 Alaska Airlines announced a massive 737 MAX order with Boeing committing to up to 157 new MAX jets by 2030. As these new planes begin to arrive surely the Next Gens. will be retired. 

NG Models has done a great job capturing the 737-700 in the current Alaska Airlines livery. The mould of the airplane is superb. The only feature that seems a little off is the front gear leg. Other than that, this is a grand recreation of an Alaskan workhorse from the 2000s.