Summary
- A historic Boeing 727-200 from Olympic Airways is now on display in Athens, attracting aviation enthusiasts and tourists alike.
- The aircraft, nicknamed ‘Mount Olympus,’ was left abandoned at Ellinikon Airport until Zela Aviation acquired it for restoration.
- Greek Infrastructure Minister notes the significance of the restored aircraft in preserving Greek aviation history and attracting visitors to the area.
A historic Boeing 727-200, once flying for Olympic Airways, has been placed on display for everyone to enjoy in the suburbs of Athens, Greece. SX-CBA is a restored 727 that was left abandoned at Ellinikon International Airport, an old airport in Athens that once served as a hub for the carrier. The aircraft has now been moved to Hellinikon, a coastal suburb in the southern part of the city.
The aircraft last flew 32 years ago and had a long tenure with Olympic Airways, where it was nicknamed ‘Mount Olympus.’ Purchased initially by Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis in 1968, it operated until its retirement in 1992, after 24 years in operation.
Once the aircraft was retired, it remained at Ellinikon even after the airport’s closure in 2001 and was left abandoned, collecting dust, alongside a number of other Olympic Airways aircraft, including a 737-200 (SX-BCA), a 747-200 (SX-DAB), and a Hellenic Imperial Airways BAC One-Eleven (SX-BAR).
New beginnings in 2023
New life was destined for the forgotten plane last year when Cyprus-based Zela Aviation acquired the aircraft and the One Eleven at Ellinikon with a vision to restore and ‘restore Greek aviation heritage.’ Andreas Christodoulides, Zela’s founder, reiterated his vision in a company statement reported by :
“I wanted to preserve these planes for our children and grandchildren to remember.”
Moving day
After a full restoration and repaint, Mount Olympus was moved from the closed airport overnight to its new resting spot on February 29 and was reassembled for locals to enjoy. As expected for its transfer through the streets of Athens, some of the aircraft had to be deconstructed; however, now it is all back in one piece. The aircraft is now expected to boost the local economy and attract tourists to the area. Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras was at the unveiling ceremony and noted:
“The presence of Mount Olympus in Hellinikon embodies our country’s aviation history and links two significant landmarks: Olympic Airlines and the Hellinikon airport. It’s more than just an exhibit – it’s a living monument to Greek aviation history and will mark a significant milestone for the municipality.”
The BAC One-Eleven, which was also restored, is planned to be unveiled later this year along the harbourside in Lavrio, Athens, which Zela Aviation also chose to benefit the area’s aviation heritage.
Formerly the flag carrier of Greece, it once operated to 37 domestic destinations across Greece and 32 international destinations worldwide. Founded in April 1957, it ceased operations in September 2009 while selling its name and logo to the now-current Olympic Air. During the airline’s popularity, it had over 44 aircraft in 11 variants.
Related
Abandoned Olympic Airways Boeing 727 To Be Restored In Athens
The aircraft will be restored for display alongside a British Aircraft Corporation One-Eleven.