Fairchild Metroliner SA227 Kendell Airlines

General Product Description

Our MyMahoganyModel Fairchild Metroliner SA227 Kendell Airlines exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Fairchild Metroliner SA227 Kendell Airlines is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Fairchild Metroliner SA227 Kendell Airlines in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

Fairchild Metroliner SA227 and Its Role with Kendell Airlines

The Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner SA227 was a key aircraft in the evolution of regional aviation in Australia, and it played a significant role in the fleet of Kendell Airlines. Known for its speed, reliability, and ability to serve smaller regional airports, the Metroliner helped bridge the gap between major cities and remote communities. Kendell Airlines, once one of Australia’s largest and most respected regional carriers, utilized the SA227 to build a vast network of routes across southeastern Australia.

Overview of the Fairchild Metroliner SA227

The Fairchild SA227 Metroliner was developed in the United States by Swearingen Aircraft (later acquired by Fairchild). Designed as a pressurized twin-engine turboprop commuter aircraft, the Metroliner emerged in the 1970s as a response to the growing demand for fast and efficient regional air transport.

Key features of the SA227 Metroliner include:

• Seating capacity for 19 passengers

• Powered by two Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines

• Cruising speed of around 285 knots (528 km/h)

• Pressurized cabin for higher altitude flights

• Range of approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles)

Its long, narrow fuselage earned it nicknames such as “the pencil” among pilots and passengers, but the aircraft proved effective in high-frequency, short-haul operations.

Kendell Airlines: A Regional Powerhouse

Kendell Airlines was founded in 1967 by Don Kendell in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. What started as a modest charter operation grew into a major regional airline, particularly throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Kendell became known for its commitment to reliable, frequent services and its focus on smaller regional communities underserved by larger carriers.

The airline was instrumental in shaping the concept of regional aviation in Australia, eventually becoming a key part of the Ansett group. During its peak, Kendell operated a diverse fleet, including Saab 340s, Embraer EMB 110s, and Fairchild Metroliners.

The Metroliner’s Role in the Kendell Fleet

Kendell Airlines began operating the Metroliner SA227 in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The aircraft was well-suited to Kendell’s operational needs for several reasons:

1. Short Runway Performance: Many of the destinations Kendell served, such as Albury, Mildura, Wagga Wagga, and Broken Hill, had limited airport infrastructure. The Metroliner could operate from shorter runways with ease.

2. Low Operating Costs: The efficiency of the Garrett turboprops, combined with the aircraft’s relatively low maintenance requirements, made it a cost-effective solution for high-frequency regional routes.

3. Speed and Range: The Metroliner was faster than earlier piston-powered aircraft and could complete routes quickly, improving scheduling and turnaround times.

4. Passenger Service: While not luxurious, the Metroliner offered a pressurized cabin and basic comfort for short flights—an improvement over unpressurized alternatives of the time.

The SA227 Metroliners were primarily used on routes linking smaller towns to larger centers like Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. They helped Kendell establish dependable connections and build passenger loyalty in rural areas.

Challenges and Fleet Transition

By the 1990s, newer aircraft such as the Saab 340 offered better comfort, more space, and improved performance. Kendell began transitioning to these larger turboprops, eventually phasing out the Metroliners from scheduled service. However, during their years in operation, the Metroliners had proven instrumental in helping Kendell grow into one of Australia’s most reliable regional airlines.

Despite their retirement from the Kendell fleet, many Metroliners found second lives with freight carriers and charter operators around the world, a testament to their durable design and operational efficiency.

Legacy

The Fairchild Metroliner SA227 helped Kendell Airlines expand its footprint and improve regional connectivity across southeastern Australia. Though it lacked the glamour of larger airliners, the Metroliner played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in delivering essential air services to communities that otherwise might have remained isolated.

For Kendell Airlines, the SA227 was more than just an aircraft—it was a workhorse that supported the airline’s mission of connecting Australia’s heartland. The success of Kendell’s regional model, with the Metroliner at its core for many years, influenced the broader development of regional aviation policy and infrastructure in Australia.

Conclusion

The partnership between the Fairchild Metroliner SA227 and Kendell Airlines stands as a noteworthy chapter in Australian aviation history. The aircraft’s speed, efficiency, and adaptability made it a natural fit for Kendell’s expanding regional network. While the Metroliner has long since left Kendell’s fleet, its contribution to the airline’s growth and to regional air service in Australia remains enduring.