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.

 

[1.400_modelaviation]

Interestingly, seems there’s been a few retailers screwed over by NG not sending out the Hainan A330-900’s as they didn’t have enough. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this but seems like in the UK AMS + Bedfordshire diecast and maybe ARD? never received there’s.

Shame as it’s a great looking model and would’ve liked to have received mine.

 

[abdulmohiuddin]

Interestingly, seems there’s been a few retailers screwed over by NG not sending out the Hainan A330-900’s as they didn’t have enough. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this but seems like in the UK AMS + Bedfordshire diecast and maybe ARD? never received there’s.

Shame as it’s a great looking model and would’ve liked to have received mine.

I'm pretty sure Bedfordshire Diecast doesn't tend to list the Chinese releases that are made unless you ask for it from them.

 

[1.400_modelaviation]

I'm pretty sure Bedfordshire Diecast doesn't tend to list the Chinese releases that are made unless you ask for it from them.

Yes, I’m aware. They had 6 listed originally, that had sold out on the store. One of which I’d pre ordered. Spoke to Simon the owner today and he confirmed NG forgot to send them in his order, then NG confirmed to him they didn’t have any to send.

obviously not a retailer issue, pretty poor on NG’s part

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

Yes, I’m aware. They had 6 listed originally, that had sold out on the store. One of which I’d pre ordered. Spoke to Simon the owner today and he confirmed NG forgot to send them in his order, then NG confirmed to him they didn’t have any to send.

obviously not a retailer issue, pretty poor on NG’s part

They're sending it to him with this batch I'm told.

 

[1.400_modelaviation]

They're sending it to him with this batch I'm told.

So originally they’d forgot to send them with the release set and had agreed to send them. NG must have shipped the new batch of releases to him and they were not included on the invoice again. Simon messaged me on instagram this morning to say NG has said they don’t have any left to ship him so there wasn’t going to be a shipment containing the Hainan A330-900’s. Since then he’s cancelled my order, don’t know if you have one on pre order with him? maybe worth checking your email.

Someone I spoke to said same has happened to there order with AMS.

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

So originally they’d forgot to send them with the release set and had agreed to send them. NG must have shipped the new batch of releases to him and they were not included on the invoice again. Simon messaged me on instagram this morning to say NG has said they don’t have any left to ship him so there wasn’t going to be a shipment containing the Hainan A330-900’s. Since then he’s cancelled my order, don’t know if you have one on pre order with him? maybe worth checking your email.

Someone I spoke to said same has happened to there order with AMS.

Yeah I just checked my email - and there it was! I'd think they'd make an additional batch - like they've done for a few in the past. Fingers crossed

 

[1.400_modelaviation]

Yeah I just checked my email - and there it was! I'd think they'd make an additional batch - like they've done for a few in the past. Fingers crossed

Sorry to have been the bearer of bad news! Fingers crossed they do another run!

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

Sorry to have been the bearer of bad news! Fingers crossed they do another run!

I was kind of half expecting it as it's been super popular - not only within China (going by the numerous Rednote posts everyday) , but rotw as well - selling out almost everywhere - and already shows 'sold out' on NG's site.

After our chat here I managed to snag a last available piece from another store - fingers crossed they arrive!

 

[1.400_modelaviation]

I was kind of half expecting it as it's been super popular - not only within China (going by the numerous Rednote posts everyday) , but rotw as well - selling out almost everywhere - and already shows 'sold out' on NG's site.

After our chat here I managed to snag a last available piece from another store - fingers crossed they arrive!

Nice! Hope it arrives. Going off NG’s track record, Hainan have 19 more on order so I’m sure they’ll be a few more releases later down the line