An old Boeing B727/284 “Mount Olympus” from the heyday of Olympic Airways is on display as a new “tourist attraction” on the site of the former airport at Elliniko, in southern Athens.
The plane, once part of the fleet of Olympic Airways, a commercial airline founded by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, was one of six he bought in the late 1960s when the airline was in its heyday.
“This huge aircraft, as a tourist attraction, will showcase the heritage of air travel of our country and will become a landmark of the municipality. Because it is not just an exhibit, but a living monument to the history of Greek air navigation.”said Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras at the opening on Thursday.
The minister noted the historical importance of the airline and air travel to the growth of the Greek economy and tourism industry, noting that it was one of the first sectors to attract foreign investment after World War II.
Staikouras said the initiative would improve the local tourism product and help grow the local economy, while also preserving Greece's cultural heritage. The exhibition is organized by Zela Aviation and the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli.
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