In the past two years there has been an impressive growth in competition within the Chinese manufacturer market, which has seen the expansion of both Aero Polaris, Kylin Model and HX Model all as OEMs producing models for both themselves, and other brands. Aero Polaris has now released over 115 models since November 2024 under its own brand name and has done so using moulds that match the quality of NG Models, which is no mean feat. When my son was small I dallied with Pokémon but admit to not finding them my favourite subject matter, however Aero Polaris have kindly sent me through one of their latest A350s for review so Pokémon it is!
Each review is to split into three key areas:
- The model mould
- The paint and livery reproduction
- Printing and quality control
Each section can get a maximum score of 10 for a maximum combined score of 30
This review is sponsored by Northeast Diecast. Check out their store for an excellent range of hard to find 200 and 400 scale collection sale models and get 15% off!
MOULD
Aero Polaris actually advertised their Airbus A350 mould prior to releasing their Boeing 737-800 range. It wasn’t until around July 2025 that their first A350s appeared and I reviewed a China Eastern example here at the website back then:
They have now announced or released 19 A350s under their own brand name as well as a further 8 for others, including Z2 Models, Creating Dreams Wings, Undefined Collectibles and this release for Nebul. I have no idea who Nebul are, but I suspect it is merely a licensing dodge sub-brand of Aero Polaris.
When I reviewed the first Aero Polaris A350 I compared it directly to both the NG Models and Panda Models A350 moulds, which it closely resembled. It now actually appears that it is a version of the Panda Models A350, which Panda appear to have lost usage of. Panda themselves only used the A350 5 times and the last release under their own name was in June 2025.
The history of the mould is somewhat irrelevant when discussing its quality and it is basically identical to the Panda mould regardless of whether it is or isn’t the same casting. The Panda mould was already very close to the excellent NG Models version, making them both the standout A350s in 400 scale in 2026.
The A350 is probably the type with the most inter-brand competition in 400 scale with other moulds from Aviation400, HX Models, JC Wings / Gemini Jets, NG Models and Phoenix. It was only at the end of September that I reviewed the new Aviation400 mould while Phoenix are in the process of updating their own mould with a new wing also. It’s a little unclear as to the quality of the HX mould at present, although initial photos aren’t very promising.
In a tight race currently the Aero Polaris and NG Models versions just edge out the AV400, with all three beating the other pair comfortably. The former pair are so good that they are hard to tell apart unless you look at them very closely. There is an excellence in the nose and nosegear regions that elevate them both to the top of the pile.
Other differences between moulds are subtle. Arguably the wing to fuselage join on the Aero Polaris is a little rounder at the front and less accurate than on the NG and the new Aviation400 versions, but it is a subtle difference.
The underside of the fuselage and wings provide some of the clearest differences between the Aero Polaris and NG Models variants. The Aero Polaris curiously lacks a standhole while the NG remains fitted with one for now. The Aero Polaris mould also has the triangular NACA intakes moulded into the belly, something previously missing from the NG version but now added.
On the wings the Aero Polaris mould has slightly longer and thinner flap track fairing canoes than the NG mould, which I believe are more accurate. The wing trailing edge also moulds in the fuel dump pipe, missing on the NG.
The maingear trucks have a pivoting action unlike on the NG mould. Engine ground clearance that had been an issue with the original Panda version is no longer a concern and the engines and fanblades are basically identical to those of the NG mould (both have hollowcore fans but with good spacing, 22 blades and the spinning feature).
There are no major criticisms of this mould, which may even be slightly superior to the NG version due to wing detailing and pivoting maingear. As it is there are 3 very strong A350-900s in 400 scale and it remains to be seen how the updated Phoenix version compares. Certainly, the JC Wings / Gemini Jets mould is someway behind the three frontrunners.
SCORE – 10
PAINT & LIVERY
Pokémon liveries remain incredibly popular in Taiwan and Japan. This aircraft named the ‘Pikachu Jet CI2’ is China Airlines 2nd Pokémon themed scheme and was unveiled on April 1, 2026.
As they state on the press release: ‘The Airbus A350 passenger aircraft features a vibrant fuselage decorated with 13 Pokémon and an exquisite floral tile pattern of auspicious clouds, exemplifying the aesthetics of Taiwanese craftsmanship’. You can see a variety of photos of the real aircraft here.
For Pokémon nerds the featured characters are Flying Pikachu, Clefairy, Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite, Hoppip, Skiploom, Jumpluff, Beautifly, Swablu, Altaria, Cresselia, and Vivillon. The aircraft itself is paired with a ‘a fantasy-themed flying experience’ and unique decorated onboard amenities and souvenirs.
Despite all the Pokémon it is a surprisingly understated scheme with areas clear of characters and the CI tail logo matching nicely into the clouds on the fuselage. The positioning and accuracy of the characters on the model is quite stunning.
The model also displays vibrant colouring throughout, although perhaps some of it is a little too vibrant. On the portside forward I’d argue Hoppip and Jumpluff are a little too darkly coloured. The same could probably be said for Skiploom (the green one) on the starboard side. These are minor niggles barely worth mentioning.
Details wise the rendition of the livery is faultless. The tiny Pokemon on the inside of the engine nacelles are present and more usual airline fair such as the nosegear reg and Skyteam logo are all good.
SCORE – 9
PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL
Aero Polaris come from the HYJL stable and they had clear links to NG Models. The impressive nature of printwork on these Aero Polaris models suggests there are still strong links, and it wouldn’t surprise me to learn they share factory resources. The printwork on this model is truly impressive.
Whereas with some brands getting close up to these kinds of complex images on the fuselage can lead to obvious pixelation the printing on this model is sublime. Even at high magnification the colours are rich and clear. Likewise, printwork on the underside of the aircraft and engine nacelles is subtle and rich.
Aero Polaris have previously had some cockpit print issues with their A350s but these have been rectified on the latest batch of A350s.
Aero Polaris also go the distance with their packaging. They utilise a flip top box design, vaguely reminiscent of Gemini Jets, plus provide a collector’s card and an area of printed apron to display the model on. It gives a premium feel to the model yet adds no discernible extra cost.
SCORE – 10
CONCLUSION
Aero Polaris have quickly risen to near the top of the 400 scale crop and this model illustrates the impressive A350 mould they are using and the high quality paint and print capabilities available to them. In a market where there is strong competition for sales and this specific aircraft has been announced by 4 others (Aviation400, NG Models, JC Wings and Phoenix) that is important, although as per usual personally I’d rather see less A350s and a more varied output. However, if A350s are your thing then these are good times for you as there are many high quality versions being made with Aero Polaris definitely at the top end.
FINAL SCORE –Â 29/30
