Model Review - Hainan Airlines Airbus A330-900 by NG Models

[YesterAirlines]

My first review of 2026 features my first A330-900 from NG. The NEOs have been another type impacted by NG's unfortunate mould usage as this is the first airline release since the initial Deltas from May 2024! It is also a good example of the differing design concepts NG is following in comparison with other 400 scale brands, especially AV400, whereby the focus is on realism over features. Also impressive is the incredibly short turnaround of this model, since the real thing only appeared at the end of October for the first time and prior to that it wasn't even that clear Hainan would be receiving the type.

Obviously, there is the belief among some that I am biased towards NG, I would point out that my NG horn tooting clearly needs some work as of the 48 models I reviewed in 2025 only 6 were from NG, only one of their models got into my top 12 of the year, and they regularly get strong criticism on my ranking vids. Nonetheless, ultimately the end product is often hard to argue with.

https://www.yesterdaysairlines.com/...nan-airlines-airbus-a330-941-b-32mu-ng-models

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

whereby the focus is on realism over features.

THIS!!!
You've hit the nail on the head.
This is what, for me (and thus my NG affliction) makes them stand out from the crowd - and yes, while they may not be able to get things 100% accurate all of the time - their models are perceptually the closest to the real thing that we can see - and especially if one looks at what is my favorite aspect - the stance of the aircraft.
Nose up or nose down etc it may seem trivial to many or most or if you aren't as predisposed to looking at things so closely - but this requires intense calibration and close attention to detail - eg, even while Panda's 767 fuselage is the best, their landing gear lengths aren't accurate - same goes for say PMs or APs A350s - and that messes up the overall perception of the aircraft model - it's such an important and integral aspect of every aircraft when on ground - which all models undoubtedly represent (unless they're FD) - yet almost every other manufacturer f**** up in that crucial department.

 

[YesterAirlines]

Don't get me wrong I like the features too and think there's definitely a place for them in the market, however I prefer the solidcore fans on the NGs.

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

I prefer the solidcore fans on the NGs

Same

 

[nat_hat]

It's really lovely and I'm so looking forward to seeing the Aircalins
Cant help but feel that the massive Trents look a little empty without reverse thrust details though

 

[Serratedtrout]

Also impressive is the incredibly short turnaround of this model, since the real thing only appeared at the end of October for the first time and prior to that it wasn't even that clear Hainan would be receiving the type.

I'm guessing NG probably anticipated this as Hainan has long been rumoured on Chinese social media to be receiving A330neos via Irish aircraft leasing company Avolon (owned by Bohai Leasing, which along with Hainan’s parent, HNA Aviation, all used to be part of the HNA Group prior to HNA Group’s bankruptcy and breakup in 2021). Images of their A330-900 economy seats featuring Hainan’s ‘Dream Feather’ Visual Identity were leaked back in 2024. It’s got this really interesting pair of fixed shell privacy wings on both sides of the headrest. The first images of an A330neo featuring Hainan’s livery emerged out of Toulouse in April 2025. While the engines hadn’t been installed by then, the livery application was pretty much done. So this probably gave NG enough time to prepare, just in time for the first aircraft to be delivered to the airline.

 

[pons399]

The focus on realism thing is funny, because over the past year I’ve seen more creative screwups from NG than ever before. Misaligned engines, random pieces of decals misplaced elsewhere, and a partially-applied cheatline. Yes, a cheatline with a giant chunk of it just missing.

I do agree that NG with their sh!t together is the gold standard. But they’ve been so much more hit-or-miss lately.

 

[YesterAirlines]

The focus on realism thing is funny, because over the past year I’ve seen more creative screwups from NG than ever before. Misaligned engines, random pieces of decals misplaced elsewhere, and a partially-applied cheatline. Yes, a cheatline with a giant chunk of it just missing.

I do agree that NG with their sh!t together is the gold standard. But they’ve been so much more hit-or-miss lately.

I guess desire and reality don't always match

 

[JET-10/11/47]

The focus on realism thing is funny, because over the past year I’ve seen more creative screwups from NG than ever before. Misaligned engines, random pieces of decals misplaced elsewhere, and a partially-applied cheatline. Yes, a cheatline with a giant chunk of it just missing.

I do agree that NG with their sh!t together is the gold standard. But they’ve been so much more hit-or-miss lately.

100% agree! It’s the tiny details that seem to get left out a lot of recent. Under carriage wheel hubs some being smooth and some with correct groove appearance. Missing anti collision lights on 787’s. Nose cone outlines hardly visual especially on 787’s. I’m a stickler for the small details and I will say that so far Hx are outstanding in this area atm. If NG just didn’t let the ball slip they’d definitely be one of the best model companies ever.