Chasing retired airliners in Belgium

A recent visit to Belgium gave me the opportunity to track down a few former airliners scattered around the small country which are now looking a little forlorn and in need of some care an attention. Here’s what I found…

Boeing 707-300 TY-BBW
Originally N758PA with Pan American, and more recently with Government of Benin, this sorry looking 707 sits in a car park in Wetteren, not far from Ghent (map). There are still plans to convert it into a restaurant, so watch this space.

Vickers Viscoun 800 G-AZNA
After a busy life with British Midland and a few other carriers, this Viscount was retired and put in use outside a disco called Kokorico on the N9 near Zomergem and Ghent (map).

Boeing 727-200 OO-DHS
A former DHL aircraft in later life, this Boeing classic is now used by the fire training department at Brussels South Charleroi airport (map). It is visible from the Rue Santos Dumont which heads towards Gosselies from the terminal.

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Airbus A310 5N-AUG
Preserved in Gilly, near Charleroi (map), is this former Nigeria Airways A310. It has been used as a cafe.

Photo: Daniel Brackx www.belgian-wings.be

Douglas C-54 N2894C
Situated on the grass airfield at Overboelare (map). This military DC-4 was used as a cargo carrier in later life, and then became the club house at the airfield.

Sud Caravelle 6N OO-SRA
Part of the Musee Royal De L’Armee in central Brussels is this Caravelle in Sabena colours, positioned above ground in the vast museum hall. Other aircraft here include a Fairchild Boxcar and Boeing 707 nose section.

Other aircraft exist at Ostend, including a Boeing 727, and at Melsbroek Air Base, including a C-47 and Boxcar.