Olympic Airlines

Olympic Airlines is the national flag carrier airline of Greece and is based in Athens. Its main base is Athens International Airport, with hubs at Thessaloniki International Airport, "Macedonia" and Rhodes International Airport, "Diagoras". In 2009, the Greek State announced it had reached an agreement to sell the Flight Operations and Technical Base of Olympic Airlines to Marfin Investment Group, the largest Greek investment fund, thus ending a 35-year period of state ownership. Today the airline operates into 31 international destinations as well as 37 internal airports.

The airline grew out of three predecessors - TAE, formed in 1940, Hellenic Airlines formed in 1947 and AME - none of which were successful. In 1951 they were amalgamated under the TAE name, with the participation of the Greek government but still under largely private ownership. In 1955 the company was nationalized and, in 1957, sold to Aristotle Onassis, who reorganized the company under its present name Olympic Airlines and eventually made it into a highly efficient and profitable organisation. In 1975, Olympic Airways was taken over by the Greek government, which purchased all shares and assets in the company owned by Onassis and his associates. The carrier was renamed Olympic Airlines in 2003.

Olympic Airlines operate Business and Economy classes from Johannesburg to Athens – Business Class passengers enjoy spacious seats in A300-600 aircraft, with 40 inches pitch, large seat back recline angle, footrest, lumbar support and in seat personal meal table. Complimentary French Champagne or orange juice is served before take off and passengers may make use of their Business class lounge at Athens. Olympic Airways will always complement your travel with the most hospitable program of services, by experiencing a pleasant trip, whatever your destination!