After languishing at the former Hellinikon Airport in a derelict state since 2001, a former Olympic Airlines Boeing 727 has now been restored and put on display in Athens.
Part of a fleet bought and operated from the days when the former Greek national airline was owned by shipping tycoon Aristotelis Onassis, this aircraft was once a common sight in the skies around Europe and the Middle East.
However, with the closure of the old airport and eventual failure of the national airline, it was stranded and never to fly again.
Now, however, the municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli has relocated the aircraft and restored it with the help of Zela Aviation to make turn it into an impressive tourist attraction.
The Aircraft and Where to See It
SX-CBA landing in Athens in 1981. Photo (c) simon butler
Photo (c) Zela Aviation
The aircraft is SX-CBA, a Boeing 727-284 (cn 20004/671) built in 1968.
Located in a landscaped area adjacent to Vouliagmenis Avenue (near the old airport), it will be used in special events and is intended to inspire those who live locally, and act as a tourist attraction.
“The presence of Mount Olympus in Hellinikon embodies our country’s aviation history and links two significant landmarks: Olympic Airlines and the Hellinikon airport,” said Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras at the aircraft’s unveiling ceremony.
BAC One-Eleven Restoration
Zela Aviation has also been involved in relocating another airliner relic from the old airport.
BAC One-Eleven SX-BAR has been moved to the harbourside in Lavrio, Athens, which has its own aviation heritage links. It will be restored and unveiled later this year.
Title image (c) Zela Aviation
1 comment
I think it’s exellent that Olympics old 727 was restored , and the fact that people over there took the enitiative to undertake it and complete the task , now it can be enjoyed and also used for good positive reasons.