The iconic Boeing B727/284 plane “Mount Olympus” was given a new lease on life this week opening its doors as a tourist attraction at the former Athens airport at the coastal Elliniko (Hellenikon) site in the upscale Glyfada district along what’s now being billed as the Athenian Riviera.
The vintage plane belonging to Olympic Airways’ fleet has been restored and is now on display.
The aircraft was acquired by Greek shipping tycoon Aristotelis Onassis at the end of the 1960s and was among six Boeing aircraft he purchased as Olympic Airways soared to popularity.
Olympic Airways was founded by Onassis in 1957 and was Greece’s national carrier renowned for its top-notch service and iconic six-ring logo. It played a significant role in connecting Greece with the world. In 2009, it ceased operations and was succeeded by Olympic Air, which continues its legacy under Aegean Airlines.
Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras.
“This majestic aircraft, now a tourist attraction, will highlight our nation’s rich aviation heritage and become a significant landmark for the municipality. It is not only an exhibit but a living monument of Greek aviation history,” said Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras at the opening ceremony this week.
Staikouras said Olympic Airways contributed significantly to the promotion of Greece worldwide, to the growth of the Greek economy and of tourism.
Aviation, he said, was one of the first industries to attract foreign investment in Greece after WWII. The minister went on to add that the initiative is aimed at boosting local tourism and stimulating the economy, while also preserving a very important part of Greece’s cultural heritage.
The exhibition is organized by Zela Aviation in collaboration with the Elliniko-Argyroupoli Municipality.
