Off the seaside resort of Kusadasi in Turkey an old out of order Airbus A300 has been chosen to be used as a diving spot during the summer season.
This unusual landmark is located off the seaside resort in the West of Turkey which already benefits from a good reputation for fauna and underwater flora.
With a 44-metre wingspan and 54 metres in lengths, the 36-year- old A300 plane, was completely refurbished in anticipation. As time goes on it will be transformed into an artificial reef much to the appreciation of the fish and divers. This completely new underwater attraction should enable to the local authorities to attract up to 250 000 additional tourists every year, Turks as well as foreigners.
“Our purpose is to make of Kusadasi a tourist centre dedicated to diving” Ozlem Cercioglu mayor of Aydin, the city which bought the out of order plane for 270. 000 Turkish lires or 82.000 euros.
This initiative cumulated to the dozens of others hopes to reboost tourism in a country very deeply affected by the massive decrease holidaygoers and after many terrorists attacks regularly hitting Turkey.
In the past three small planes have already sunk off Turkish coasts but never one so big as the A300.