Inflight200 IF300GK1125

Inflight200 IF300GK1125 is a 1/200 scale diecast model of the Airbus A300B4-203 (-3; GE CF6-50C2) registration G-BIMA named “Metro” in Lakers Airways “Skytrain” livery, circa 1981.

Laker Airways

Laker Airways was a British airline founded on July 29, 1966, by Sir Freddie Laker. It operated as a charter airline, providing both passenger and cargo services worldwide. In 1977, Laker Airways became the second long-haul, low-cost “no-frills” airline with the launch of its transatlantic services, marketed as “Skytrain.” However, by the early 1980s, the company faced significant financial difficulties, which ultimately resulted in its bankruptcy. The airline operated its final flight on February 5, 1982.

Airbus A300

The A300 is a European wide-bodied, twin-engine jet airliner designed for short to medium-range flights. It first flew on October 28, 1972, and entered service with Air France on May 23, 1974. Production of the A300 ended in 2007, with a total of 561 airframes completed across all variants.

The A300 was a pioneering aircraft, achieving several significant milestones: it was the first twin-engine wide-body airliner, the first to achieve Extended Range Twin Operations (ETOPS), and the first to incorporate composite materials and electrically signalled secondary flight controls. Additionally, it featured an innovative centre-of-gravity control system that transferred fuel between various locations.

Airbus adapted the A300 for a variety of roles, including aerial refuelling, freighter models, combi aircraft, military airlifts, VIP transport, and the unique A300-600ST Beluga, an oversized cargo carrier.

The cockpit crew typically consisted of two pilots and a flight engineer; however, the A300-600 variant has only two pilots on board. The A300-600 passenger cabin can accommodate up to 247 in two classes. Propulsion is by two Pratt & Whitney JT9D or General Electric CF6 high-bypass axial-flow turbofan engines, mounted on pylons under the wings.