Iconic Boeing 727 from Olympic Airways Restored and Showcased in Athens
A historic Boeing 727-200, previously part of the Olympic Airways fleet, has been restored and is now on display in Hellinikon, a coastal suburb of Athens, Greece. The aircraft, registered as SX-CBA and nicknamed 'Mount Olympus,' had been abandoned at Ellinikon International Airport for many years.
The aircraft last flew 32 years ago and was a prominent part of Olympic Airways' fleet. Originally purchased by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968, it served the airline until its retirement in 1992. After its retirement, SX-CBA remained at the defunct Ellinikon Airport, alongside other abandoned aircraft, until the airport's closure in 2001.
In 2023, Cyprus-based Zela Aviation acquired SX-CBA and a BAC One-Eleven with the goal of restoring Greek aviation heritage. Zela Aviation's founder, Andreas Christodoulides, emphasized the importance of preserving these planes for future generations.
Following a comprehensive restoration and repainting, Mount Olympus was moved from Ellinikon to Hellinikon on February 29. The transfer required partial disassembly of the aircraft to navigate through the streets of Athens. The reassembled aircraft is now expected to boost the local economy and attract tourists to the area. Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras, present at the unveiling ceremony, highlighted the aircraft's significance in embodying the country's aviation history and its connection to both Olympic Airlines and Ellinikon Airport.
The restored BAC One-Eleven is also scheduled to be unveiled later this year along the harborside in Lavrio, Athens, as part of Zela Aviation's efforts to enhance the area's aviation heritage.
Olympic Airways, once the flag carrier of Greece, operated 37 domestic and 32 international routes. Founded in April 1957, it ceased operations in September 2009, passing its name and logo to the current Olympic Air. At its peak, Olympic Airways had a fleet of over 44 aircraft in 11 variants.