The Boeing 737 is the most ordered and most produced jet airliner in history with over 6,000 manufactured and a further 2,000 on order in May 2009.

On average there are 1,250 737s in the air at any given time.

The Boeing 737-600 to 737-900 were the Next Generation 737s, developed from 1993 to compete with the Airbus A.320 series.

Improvements included, improved engines, a glass cockpit, intercontinental range and passenger cabin upgrades.

The 737-800, a stretched version of the -700, competes with the Airbus A.320 and has been used to replace many old 727-200s.  It began entering service in 1998.

Qantas is one of the world’s oldest airlines and Australia’s dominant domestic airline.

It ordered 737-800s to capitalise on the collapse of Ansett and they started service in late 2001.

This model represents VH-VXA in service with Qantas, c.2007.

Revell 1/144 kits with Hawkeye decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in April 2010.