Cypriot Entrepreneur Revives Legendary Olympic Airways Aircraft Mount Olympus
In the presence of Greek Government Ministers, Municipal Authorities, the business community of Greece and Cyprus, and media representatives, the ceremony for the official unveiling of the historic Olympic Airways aircraft, "Mount Olympus" Boeing 727, took place at the Sourmena Stadium in Elliniko.
The legendary Boeing 727, which had been abandoned at Elliniko Airport since its last flight in 2001, was originally purchased in 1968 by Aristotle Onassis for the Olympic Airways fleet.
Recently, Mr Andreas Christodoulides, President of the Cypriot company Zela Aviation, bought the historic aircraft. After refurbishing and renovating it, he donated it to the Municipality of Elliniko.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Mr Andreas Christodoulides, President of Zela Aviation, stated that the initiative aims to ensure that older generations do not forget, and younger generations learn about the history of Elliniko, Olympic Airways, and its founder, Aristotle Onassis. Mr. Christodoulides emphasized that his decision to purchase, renovate, and maintain the legendary Boeing 727 was a duty owed to his motherland Greece and because of his passion for airplanes, which began in his childhood in Cyprus.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Christos Staikouras, called the “Mount Olympus” a living monument, underscoring that this legendary aircraft, one of six Boeings purchased by Aristotle Onassis for Olympic Airways, symbolizes Greece’s aviation history.
The Minister of Health, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, described the event as emotional, noting that the Boeing 727 will preserve the tangible memory of a glorious era in modern Greek history, associated with Olympic Airways and Aristotle Onassis. Mr Georgiadis remarked that we are very fortunate because this historical memory will continue to be preserved thanks to Mr. Andreas Christodoulides, President of Zela Aviation.
The Mayor of Elliniko and Argyroupoli, Mr Giannis Konstantatos, pointed out that with this action, the Municipality will keep the memory of Olympic Airways alive and vibrant. He credited Andreas Christodoulides, whom he described as the other half of this grand vision. Addressing the President of Zela Aviation, he noted that through this action, Christodoulides' name becomes part of the history of Olympic Airways, which was started by Aristotle Onassis and preserved in the Municipality, where it belongs, by Andreas Christodoulides.
It is noted that the Legendary Olympic Airways Aircraft will now adorn Vouliagmenis Avenue at the Sourmena Stadium, allowing the public to travel back in time and discover the fascinating world of the aviation industry.
