Parked in the military area of Palma de Mallorca Airport stands a unique treasure the Spantax Convair CV-990 EC-BZO. This aircraft is more than just metal and rivets. It is a symbol of a bygone era in aviation history. This Convair CV-990 EC-BZO is a survivor the last of Spantax’s 14 Coronados.
Originally, American Airlines took delivery of this Convair CV-990 EC-BZO in 1962. Later, it became part of the Spantax fleet. Spantax was a significant operator of this type of aircraft. Today, the Convair CV-990 EC-BZO rests where Spantax once had its maintenance base.
Since 2009, a dedicated group Amics de Son Sant Joan has worked tirelessly to preserve this aircraft. This Convair CV-990 EC-BZO is one of only two complete Coronados in Europe. The other resides in a Lucern museum in Switzerland. It proudly wears the colors of Swissair from the 1960s.
In 2011, the Spantax Coronado achieved official recognition. It gained the status of Cultural Asset under the Protection of the Balearic Islands. This recognition underscored its importance to the region’s heritage. Enthusiasts’ contributions and its use as a movie set have funded minor restoration work. These efforts keep the hope alive. The hope to fully restore the Convair CV-990 EC-BZO. The hope to bring it to a permanent display location.
Unfortunately, progress has been slow. Lack of funds and bureaucratic hurdles have hampered the restoration. However, the Amics de Son Sant Joan remains committed. In 2017, they cleaned the passenger cabin of the Convair CV-990 EC-BZO. They also completed some minor repairs. In 2019, they sanded, primed, and painted parts of the fuselage. Yet, much more work remains to be done.
Spantax’s Convair CV-990s were known for their speed. But they were also gas guzzlers. One former Spantax flight attendant recalled them as noisy. They could carry only 149 passengers in coach class. Despite these drawbacks, they were very fast. One flight from New York to Madrid took only 5 hours and 30 minutes. That’s faster than today’s flights.
Spantax purchased two 990s from American Airlines in 1967. Eight more followed between 1968 and 1972. One came via Modern Air Transport. Four more came from Swissair in 1975. As operating costs rose, Spantax gradually withdrew the 990 fleet from service. This started in 1981. Some later returned to flight status.
A financial group bought Spantax. They tried to improve the company’s situation. But in May 1988, Spantax collapsed and stopped operations. The entire Convair CV-990 fleet was parked at Palma de Mallorca Airport. All aircraft were scrapped except the EC-BZO.
Today, the Convair CV-990 EC-BZO stands as a testament to aviation history. It is waiting in the military area of the airport. It’s dirtier and older. But it is still in good condition. Perhaps one day it could be flown. Or transported to the Aviation Museum of Madrid. The Convair CV-990 EC-BZO represents the dedication of those who preserve aviation history. It reminds us of the golden age of flight.