Airbus A300 meets a watery end

Turkey has deliberately sunk an old Airbus A300 in the Aegean Sea to create an artificial reef.

According to various media reports, the 36-year-old aircraft was sunk on June 4 and is now sitting 75ft below the surface of the Aegean, just off the coast of Kusadasi, Turkey.

Here’s a link to a video from one of the boats that towed it out to sea.

I’m in touch with Airbus to find out what the aircraft serial number was. One report suggests it was MSN105, which was manufactured in March 1980 and did service with Olympic Airways, Finova, Farnair Europe, Channel Express, Jet2, ACT Airlines and MyCargo Airlines in its 36-year flying career.

While the A300 isn’t the first aircraft to take up the role as a playground for fish, coral and divers, it is apparently the largest aircraft to have been deliberately sunk for this purpose.

This adds to a long list of alternative end-of-life aircraft uses, including hotels, restaurants and alternative glamping accommodation. Can you think of any others? If so, please post a link below.