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Stunning pics show huge Airbus A300 jet being sunk under the SEA as a makeshift reef for divers in a desperate bid to boost Turkish tourism

The giant aircraft was plunged into the Aegean Sea near the resort town of Kusadasi

A HUGE plane has been deliberately sunk in a Turkish holiday resort in a bid to boost the country’s flagging tourist industry.

Authorities plunged the A300 Airbus into the Aegean Sea much to the delight of hundreds of cheering beachgoers who watched the two-and-a-half hour operation.

Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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The huge commercial aircraft was carefully dropped into the ocean on Saturday afternoonCredit: Getty Images
Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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Hundreds of onlookers gathered to watch sinking of the planeCredit: Getty Images
Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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Holidaymakers cheered loudly as the plane was plunged into the turquoise-coloured water. The aircraft - which has a wingspan of 144 feet and a length of 177 feet – was sunk in the Aydin province near the resort town of Kusadasi.Credit: Getty Images

Turkish tourism chiefs hope the unique underwater attraction will entice deep-sea enthusiasts back to the popular diving spot.

Holiday bookings to Turkey have dropped by 40 per cent following recent bomb attacks in both Istanbul and the capital Ankara. 

The 36-year-old plane – which will now become covered in beautiful aquatic plants – was bought by the Aydin municipality from a private aviation firm for around £65,000. 

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Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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The sinking took two-and-a-half hours much to the delight of beachgoersCredit: Getty Images
Airbus A300 sunk to create artificial reef, Kusadasi, Turkey - 04 Jun 2016
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The underwater attraction will now become covered in colourful flora and faunaCredit: Rex Features
Airbus A300 Sunk To Serve As A Reef.
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The tail of the plane is lowered to the bottom of the seaCredit: Photoshot

Aydin's mayor Ozlem Cercioglu said the sinking of the aircraft would help promote diving in the region.

She said: “Our goal is to make Kusadasi a centre of diving tourism.

“Our goal is to protect the underwater life.

“And with these goals in mind, we have witnessed one of the biggest wrecks in the world.

“Our main target to diversify tourism in Kusadasi and have a 12-month season.”

Airbus A300 Sunk To Serve As A Reef.
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Some onlookers used boats to get a closer look at the operationCredit: Photoshot
Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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A crowd use mobile devices to record the unique sinkingCredit: Getty Images
Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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Tourism bosses hope the underwater plane will attract divers back to the areaCredit: Getty Images
Airbus to be sunk off Turkish coast for diving tourism
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Holidaymakers sunbathe as the plane is moved into the waterCredit: Getty Images

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