Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has announced the successful submersion of a 70-metre Boeing 747 as part of an underwater theme park.
Following news that BTEA had completed the first phase of Dive Bahrain, the Boeing 747 has now been successfully submerged and will open to the public in August 2019.
Located off the coast of Bahrain, the plane sits at approximately 20m deep. It will soon play host to a new diving experience and international attraction, also fostering new coral growth and providing a safe haven for marine life.
More items will be submerged alongside the plane, including a 900 sqm traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs and other sculptures fabricated from eco-friendly materials.
Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of BTEA Board, HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, said: “We are proud to launch this unique eco-friendly project in partnership with local diving companies, the Supreme Council for Environment and the private sector.
“The new theme park will undoubtedly emerge as a global tourist attraction. The world-class project covers an extensive area, and will provide an unforgettable experience for both tourists and diving enthusiasts alike.”
Required procedures and preparations were put in place by a specialist team, ensuring the project’s strict compliance with international environmental and safety standards.
These included dismantling and reassembling the aircraft’s wings, removing wires, hydraulic, aerial and fuel systems, adhesive, plastic, rubber, chemical materials, and all potentially toxic substances.
Every effort has been taken to limit the project’s environmental footprint and to ensure delivery in the most environmentally sound manner, working in favour of wildlife preservation and research into marine ecology.
The project is in line with BTEA’s long-term tourism strategy to generate future opportunities for tourism and drive full economic growth by 2030.
Elsewhere, a retired KLM airliner made a five-day journey in Amsterdam to its final destination, where it will become a 5D aviation experience called the Corendon Boeing 747.
Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan has opened an “airport theme park” – Flight of Dreams – which includes high-tech immersive activities and F&B themed on the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
(Article: Blooloop https://blooloop.com/news/boeing-747-submersion-theme-park/)
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