Have you ever wondered what happens to airplanes after they are retired? Most of the time, they’re taken apart and sold for scrap metal. But today, we’re sharing an extraordinary story of a plane that escaped that fate and found a new life instead.
Since 2012, an Olympic Airways aircraft from Greece has been sitting in an Oregon forest. But this plane wasn’t simply abandoned; it was rescued by Bruce Campbell, a retired engineer with a passion for preserving old planes. Campbell, determined to prevent this aircraft from becoming scrap, bought it in 2009. He then spent a considerable amount of money transporting it to his 10-acre plot of forested land in Oregon, where he envisioned giving it a glamorous second life.
“My goal is to change humanity’s behavior in this little niche,” Campbell explained when asked about his motivation.
What makes Campbell’s story even more fascinating is that he has transformed the aircraft into his home. Inside, he has created a cozy and functional living space. Campbell sleeps on a sofa that he never fully extends unless hosting guests. He keeps enough canned food to last him two months and even constructed a makeshift shower by rolling a sheet of PVC into a four-foot-tall cylinder. His unconventional but practical way of living reflects his resourceful nature.
Campbell’s story took an unexpected turn when he discovered the historical significance of his aircraft. Unbeknownst to him at the time of purchase, this plane once carried Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In March 1975, the aircraft flew her second husband, Aristotle Onassis’ body, to his final resting place. Campbell made this connection after matching the serial number of his 727 to photos he found online. The very plane he now calls home had been part of a significant moment in history.
The airline that originally owned this aircraft was Olympic Airlines, formerly known as Olympic Airways. In 1956, Aristotle Onassis acquired the Greek national airline and rebranded it with the ambition of creating the most luxurious airline in the world. While Olympic Airlines ceased operations in 2009, Campbell’s aircraft remains a unique symbol of the airline’s legacy.
Inside, Campbell has created a living area with an office, two functioning restrooms, and a makeshift shower. He’s also installed a washing machine and a small kitchen, turning what was once a retired plane into a comfortable and livable space. His efforts to save and transform the aircraft from destruction into a home are both inspiring and remarkable.
So, the next time you hear about an airplane being retired, remember there are endless possibilities beyond scrap metal. This story shows how creativity and dedication can breathe new life into what might otherwise be forgotten. Share this story with friends and family so they too can appreciate this extraordinary transformation.
