Inside Aegean and Olympic Airlines - Heavy Aircraft Maintenance + A321neo

After some exciting Island-Hopping flights in Greece, I visited Aegean Airlines hangar to see an A320 undergoing a heavy maintenance D check (12-year check). I saw the “naked” airplane with all the seats and panels removed. The engineer explained to me about their maintenance process and showed me the rudder, the horizontal stabilizer, tail, thrust reverser and the engine of A320. Then I visited a brand-new Aegean Airlines A321neo. I was able to power up the airplane and be the first to tour the brand-new airplane.
Next, I went back at Athens Int’l Airport to visit the Aegean Airlines Business Lounge. I flew on an Olympic Air Dash8-Q400 to Samos. I had a tour at Samos and saw lot of immigrants and refugees on the island before flying back to Athens during the sunset.
The next day I visited the old Athens Ellinikon Airport, there was an Olympic B727, a B737 and a B747 there. I was there at the same site in 2001, just before the old airport closed down. I met Nikolas, who shared with me a story of the Olympic OA411; which came close to crashing in downtown Athens, following an engine explosion while taking off.

[@merakloo]

Hey Sam! I’m Katerina, the first officer of Olympic Air, who brought you back in Athens from Samos island. 🛬 Both videos are amazing!!! Hope you enjoyed your trip in Greece and we’re looking forward to see you again in one of our flights 🛩🗺💺🛫

[@antoniskonstantinidis8375]

Φοβερή πτήση και προσγείωση! Συγχαρητήρια!

[@dnl8153]

γεια Έχω μια μητέρα Έλληνα και έναν πατέρα της Δανίας και μου αρέσει το eagean

[@kizomanizo]

@@antoniskonstantinidis8375 No you are not hitting anything...

[@geoffphuketInPhuket]

Pity Sam only reads and replies to a handful of comments!

[@hafnium911]

You did a great job flying the plane! I hope to visit Greece one day!

[@youtube2be892]

Aegean; high safety standards, congrats to the best regional airline of Europe for years

[@AndreaZzzXXX]

I love Greece so much. I visited Greece so many times, Athnes and a lot of isles ! I hope this pandemic will finish soon and we can travel easily agani. Stay save Greece, ciao from Italy :-)

[@DjJasminOfficial]

All the love from Greece 😊

[@kristitiko985]

Great job Sam,a big thank you for showing Greece and especially Samos island which has done a lot for refugees. Also, congratulations to all Greek pilots, officers, and aircraft mechanics for keeping greek aviation in high levels. I hope all Samiotes to quickly recover from the strong earthquake. Greetings from Chicago.

[@LivingAviation]

That brand new Aegean A321neo is just awesome! I don't know why Olympic air stopped operating big jets, like they did operate the 747s and 737s. Sad to see them just disappear! A great video yet again Sam!

[@giorgo]

Hey! The reason why Olympic Airways stopped flying big jets is that they went bankrupt. They changed their name to Olympic Air and became a part of Aegean Airlines. Also there were some A319 and A320 flying for Olympic Air some years ago.

[@LivingAviation]

@@giorgo Oh! That's a new fact for me buddy! Thank you for letting me know!

[@ScottRothsroth0616]

From what I’ve read, Olympic was (essentially) the airline of Greece; with a vast domestic, Continental (inter-Europe) and international flights. I read about what is essentially the airline’s fall from grace however, I still have no clue why it happened.

[@ScottRothsroth0616]

@@giorgo That simple? I guess I had to see it to believe it (🙂).

[@giamag411]

@@ScottRothsroth0616 Olympic thrived early when it was still under Onassis' ownership. After the nationalization, the airline ran into mismanagement, overstaffing, hiring people who had connections to politicians despite not being qualified to work in the airline etc etc etc, on the other hand unions were causing a mess with strikes e.g. Olympic Airways had to shut down in 2003, when its subsidiary called Macedonian Airlines was renamed into Olympic Airlines and acquired the former OAs assets. Continuing with mismanagement and increasing debts, it was eventually closed in 2009. Olympic Air was a new airline that simply bought the rights for the logo and the name, but also failed until it eventually was acquired by Aegean Airlines

[@dimpapathe]

Welcome to Samos ! My home 🏠 island 🏝, we are 💪 after the 7.0 quake ! Thanks Sam os!

[@SamChui]

Great to hear, I actually prefer island like Samos over crowded touristic spot on Santorini.

[@christosrizos461]

I am 38 years old. I was born in Greece but my parents immigrate when I was 10. Each time I fly back home and see those landscapes it makes me cry. I've been traveling since I was 19 all over the world. Big aviation fan ;-) I follow you all the time. Happy you did a video for/from Greece :-)

[@sirBrouwer]

You are more than welcome to stay in Greece. Make next flight a one way ticked back home. From there you are still able to fly the world. might even be easier to do.

[@christosrizos461]

@@sirBrouwer thanks buddy 😊

[@nsw72]

Tugged at my heartstrings, Sam. I live in Australia now but Greece is always with me. Thanks for the memories, mate! 👍

[@Aris-hn5hx]

For me Olympic Airways, it's a lot of memories especially when I was a child I traveled alone with them and the hostesses took very good care of me. My mother was traveling with them with me in her womb. And one day it became Aegean and I was told that Olympic had ceased its operations, but it remains an extension of the experience. In my country house in Greece I have a spoon with Olympic Airways written on it, they gave it to my mother the first time I took the plane. For the Greeks this company remains steeped in history and we all have a nostalgia. But with Aegean I have many good memories in particular.

[@AdityaBanerjeeadibands]

Sam, you have evolved exceptionally well as a KZbinr, there is a vast difference between your now n then videos, plus your style of presentation is unparalleled, your videos have a soothing effect because of your style of rendition. Keep it up!

[@SamChui]

Thank you very much for the encouraging comment. It's been a long journey but support like yours keep me going!

[@acrylis5085]

@@SamChui can you please notice me? Im 13 yrs old and i want to become a pilot in the Philippines!😁

[@zhengguolee1539]

@@SamChui hi how are you i am zack i want to see you play the game AMONG US in your next video pls

[@trevorgwelch7412]

He is Rich Now

[@AdityaBanerjeeadibands]

@@trevorgwelch7412 he was always rich, it's the passion for aviation and not the money, which drives him to make video. Salute to him for coming out with such amazing content everytime, that shows his class.

[@michaelc8651]

I can't decide if I enjoyed the planes or the food reviews more. Great video as usual. You certainly have the life!

[@main.regotube]

Thank you for the tutorial, I can fix A320 on my own now!

[@xmodder077_aviation9]

It’s so great seeing these maintenance scenes that we don’t usually get to see! Thank you Sam for capturing those clips on your camera!

[@60frederick]

I have enjoyed watching each second of your wonderful video. Thank you, Sam, for sharing your video with us.

[@electrayakamozi9386]

From a frequent traveler, the Augean hot meals were the best before covid, I really miss them

[@burningbeard]

Tears come to my eyes!!! I'm born in Samos! Thanks Sam for this video.

[@stefanocarratta4289]

This was better than a Xmas gift unwrapping.

[@BigHumz155]

1:32 Ahhhhh I can't get enough of that sound, coolest sound on a A321/320 when flying

[@RGB06084]

Great content Sam! The D Check was great work! I've never seen Greece before so thanks for that as well!

[@libertyvalance3145]

I am glad you visited Greece Sam. Im a big fan! Greetings from Athens!

[@k-nick97]

"It wasn't too bad" might be the harshest critique of a landing that Sam has ever given. F to pay respects.

[@Vik.kem7]

Workshop tour, flight review, exploring the streets, food review! 💙 Such a well-rounded video, covering so many awesome elements of Greece in one! Wish to visit Greece some day! 🤞🇬🇷

[@sirBrouwer]

don't forget he was almost flying that brand new A221 him self. Would be a fast leap from the first level privet aviation licence to a full jet engine.

[@chamilaherath5769]

Well done Sam, you are truly doing a great job for people who loves aviation and traveling. Brother, may you have all the energy and safety.

[@panathaninf]

A321 neo of aegean airlines is my favorite aircraft, using it frequently from munich to athens with wifi on board and excellent comfort !

[@NIKOLASINGLESSIS]

Samos is one of the most difficult airports especially when landing from the mountain side of the airport !! Great videos by the way !!!

[@stamatiasstamis5165]

That’s my small island, Samos and I can’t believe that my favorite KZbinr was there and I didn’t meet him! Thank you for visiting Samos Sam!

[@uolpn3342]

Nick seems quite a very nice dude and he's very informative too. You're lucky to have an accompany like him, Sam. Bravo nice video 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@ralphvanthoff]

I flew that 747-200 in 1996 ATH to SYD via BKK. Cockpit visits, smoking in the rear of the plane and unlimited booze still an option.

[@SamChui]

Yep. Olympic 747-200 served Australia well (before the A340 took over in 2000 I think)

[@ralphvanthoff]

@@SamChui Yes, I remember sitting next to two Swedish backpackers. The flight crew simply left the whole bottle of whiskey on our tray table. Memorable flight!

[@tafnamtaf8909]

When I went to Greece in November 1989 it was on SX-OAB Melbourne-Bangkok-Athens; I remember the food was really good and drank several wines and spirits during the flight

[@MG-pw7jp]

I love your videos Sam. Thank you so much for such amazing videos. Also thanks to your family for giving you the total freedom to make videos such as this.

[@nefelimk5063]

You are amazing ... thank you for all good sayings about greece ...god bless you...🤍🤍 And we will be happy to see you soon

[@KonstantinosZarogoulidis]

Απλά κλαίω που του παραθέτει διάλεξη ο ταξιτζής για τον Πυθαγόρα με λαϊκή μουσική υπόκρουση

[@umpireoba]

Who’s landing was that? It wasn’t too bad 😆

[@jannikstagraczynski6551]

was looking for this haha

[@panossinioros6761]

Nice video. Congratulations for mentioning the story of Captain Migadis a real hero, a real humble aviator. Next time you should also fly with the ATR of Olympic

[@guyfenney1553]

Sam, I only found this video today, but I stayed at the Hotel Emmantina in 1981. It was great to sit by the rooftop pool and bar and watch planes landing and taking off. My flight was from Luton to Athens on an A300 Airbus, and the return saw a go around at Luton, before we landed at the second time of asking.

[@hawk4174]

Sam is like a kid in a candy store or on Christmas Morning. Another great video Sam.

[@mohammadalrabiah5300]

Waaaaaaaaaw....... really happiness Thanks mr. sam Keep going to make people happy 🎋🌹

[@GalanosDj]

Hello Sam, thank you very much for this amazing video. Im proud to find your channel. Have a nice travels and stay safe.

[@katerinasavvidou8152]

Thank you for this video Sam!!

[@DIMITRISCOBE]

you are welcome )

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

You do more for aviation industry then most.

[@nickthesailorman360]

Great video well done Sam hope to see you again.

[@christoskokkolis5110]

Brilliant video, well done! And finally, some "insight videos" from Greece...

[@andy4b767]

Being around aircraft is a therapy for me

[@greecoboost]

Γειά σας από την Καλιφόρνια!

[@matthiashaenni]

I really enjoyed the video during breakfast. 👍

[@mentalizatelo]

Your videos are more about food than airplanes, sir. And I love that! =D

[@mirajhossainbd]

Sam you are so lucky to have all the experience!

[@vallabh86]

Lucky guy...keep it going Sam

[@oneworld2642]

I love aircraft engineering , excellent video Sam 👏👏👏

[@michaelkouskouris775]

Aegean is the best air company !! Love Greece !!!!!

[@simenokkenhaug2112]

I've been at Samos 2 times! Lovely Island❤️ i love the approach on Samos and off course food and nature🤩

[@timrwara5540]

very insightful engineer

[@tdyt4039]

Incredible videography. Would be cool to see a Sam Chui Awards event for best first class etc sometime soon! Keep up the great work, I’ve been tuning in since 2017 and it’s pleasing to see the progress you’ve made! 👍

[@dazyroze]

The name of the engineer at 0:36 is Stergios Magalios, not Diegos Malaius as the subs say. The name of the captain at 9:06 is Gerasimos Paschalinos. The name of the pilot at 19:18 and 19:47 who saved the plane from crashing back in 1978 is Captain Sifis Migadis. Interesting story, he was flying at 55m height just over houses touching stadium lights. In 19:52, he says that's the mountain (hill in reality) of Alimos. Alimos is the name of the suburb where you are while the hill he shows you is called Pani (pronounced as panee). And, the old airport is called Hellinikon at 19:53. Hellinikon means Greek.

[@abdullahgirgrah5086]

As usual Sam your video's are joy to watch

[@ohadaviran-finkelstein8498]

Thanks Sam, you inspired me to make my own aviation youtube channel

[@vibrxntbros9427]

I love you’re vids! They inspired me to never give up on my dream! Please keep up the amazing work because it is great!

[@jaimix996]

Los videos de Sam me alegran el día.

[@ernestmachpro3341]

Hi Sam, happy new year to you and your family. You're traveling 365 days per year? Some of people who watch you can't fly for many reasons. Your channel is amazing! I love it. God bless you.

[@AeroBrasilOficial]

All your videos are amazing! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊

[@windshearahead7012]

Best video on youtube. I wish I could like twice

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice.

[@brianross603]

Sam, I enjoy your videos very much so! I have many many flight miles under my belt as well and enjoy the experience. I am retired military and have flown so interesting places and being medical have helped sick passengers on many flights but more so on Quntas because most people from the US that go to AU go in their later years and don’t travel much. They set for 3 or so hours before the first restroom break. When they stand up that’s it... Well long story longer... I have probably saved Quntas millions by caring for the patient and telling the flight crew to press on to Sydney or Brisbane... So that said many Quntas captains would come to my seat and welcome me aboard which makes you feel good! Sorry so long but I am kinda trying to watch in time your films and I was just watching you Air Zimbabwe. Have you ever flown Ariana Airlines Afghanistan?

[@alansonpilot91]

Happy birthday to sam

[@sarajmanes4505]

So Beautiful Place & Fantastic Video Best Information Sam Chui God Bless You Thank You So Much

[@ganeshzore348]

Another marvelous video by Sam ! Always love to watch. When you are comming to jakarta ?

[@31Solvap]

Hey Sam!! I live in Samos I can’t believe that you came here And I missed it! I’m a fanatic viewer of your channel and the big av geek! I’m so frustrated now, I would’ve given you a tour of the island and the best restaurants around. I believe he’s high unlikely that you will come again in Samos in your adventures As the world is too big! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the videos that you make and wish you clear skies and safe landings! Pavlos from Samos

[@leofender5033]

1:43 it's a power transfer unit....it couples two hydraulic circuits without connecting them. Depending which circuit has the highest pressure determines whether it is being motored by that circuit or pumping. The hydraulic pumps are either in the engine, electrically powered or driven by an emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT). I think ....

[@simofran6456]

Hi Sam! When you’ll get back to Greece I highly recommend you a trip to Kythira Isalnd, you will not regret it

[@harlandgiles8612]

Great video Sam

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

Excellent vlog, Sam.

[@akafuntoosh7761]

OMG ! I'm dying for my trip to some country 😭😭😭 I couldn't smell aircraft cabin for nearly 8 months.

[@stevensongreco2995]

What Souvlaki restaurant did you go to after visiting the old Olympic 747 ? The food looks amazing😜

[@nathanng5703]

great one!

[@mikemastoros1219]

You need to come to Kos and visit Kefalos

[@pmaragoudakis]

At 18:49 the story of OA411 1978 is similar to the movie Sully, minus 2-3 differences. 1. The engine failure probably happened earlier during takeoff. Other technical details are different. 2. Capt. Migadis was able to go around and land the plane. 3. Boeing simulations were not able to replicate the fortunate ending. In every scenario, feeding those technical parameters in the sim, the plane crashed.

[@steliosspyroglou8469]

His experience, skills and quick judgment saved lives. He dropped altitude despite flying low to gain just enough speed to make the plane manoeuvrable and land back at the airport after dumping fuel. Boeing never acknowledged what happened in their reports they couldn’t explained what happened. Captain Sifis Migadis is a real hero.

[@ErosionSwords]

This channel is insane

[@mariatolis4529]

First flight I ever took I was 5 months Olympic Airline from JFK to Athens.

[@xristosxronopoulos209]

I love samos❤

[@airfoxtrot2006]

Great video

[@alansonpilot91]

I like 👍 Sam chui and I like 👍 Sam chui Channel

[@Subgunman]

Sam, how much weight did you gain while eating in Greece? The food is quite addictive and if you thought the tsipouro drink was hot you will need to try the Cretan Raki next time you make it to Greece. Its a shame they have left those old birds just sitting out in the weather at the old airport. They should try a fundraiser and building a museum hangar and restoring those aircraft for the public to visit and enjoy. There is a lot of history that people can learn about Olympic and it humble origins to what lead to its demise. This was the baby of Aristotle Onassis, the father of commercial aviation of Greece.

[@SamChui]

I actually managed to lose some weight on the Mediterranean diet in Greece! I agree with lot of yummy food.

[@shehwarrana5410]

Great Video Sam, really liked this video. Love from Pakistan!!!

[@Flyboyed]

Nice video.

[@Visionery1]

Being inside a "naked" Airbus is probably better than being naked inside a normal Airbus. :)

[@spirossamarikas5485]

How lucky you were that you had some experience from heavy maintenance of an A320!! Hope to be in your place sometime! Also did you feel the greek hospitality during your staying in Greece? What do you think about the Greek people?

[@spirossamarikas5485]

@Aviation Brussels yes, indeed. The more you visit Greece, the more you feel its hospitality!

[@temsuyanglajamir3551]

Wow that's a new aircraft AGEAN A321neo🛬🛫

[@tzimakosnoulik]

I’m from Greece 🇬🇷

[@simpanco8049]

DID HE JUST CALL THE AIRBUS SIDESTICK A DAMN JOYSTICK!!!! omg

[@Aris-hn5hx]

Next time you shall test the SkyExpress flights, it's very particular to fly ATR-72-500 to Santorini

[@yt-xo4lb]

Thank you.

[@rafaelabsolon6687]

Amo seus vídeos Sam

[@jcox21]

Sam I think you were a little harsh on the pilot regarding her landing. It was a somewhat long and slightly bumpy. But she is only a 2nd officer and your blog reaches millions of people. I know that if I was her you would have hurt my feelings by including that comment in your video.

[@OllieWasHere]

I love sam chui vids

[@fantizxrblx1151]

Hello, thank you for redoing that vlog I missed it.

[@dimitrispoulis2332]

next year come to Corfu

[@amarasrinuchalla5385]

That sound is hydraulic power transfer unit

[@praviator4507]

Dear Sam.. please visit our air india hangar in trivandrum,kerala,india....

[@designstaple2950]

Stay safe

[@SGBUSES_EMERGENCYVEHICLES]

Love your vids Sam, from Singapore

[@ostosten5207]

Sam we are the best blogger Sam tell to producers the series mayday or air disaster to create episode flight 411 athens to new york this flight is a miracle