Are you are having trouble finding parking at this shopping mall in Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil? Blame the Boeing 737-200 sitting on the roof of the parking garage.
The aircraft was placed there in January 2022. To get it on the roof, a crane capable of lifting up to 200 tons hoisted it up there.
Plans were to turn it into a wax museum. During the Brazilian elections, it was used to promote one of the candidates to passing traffic. Yawn, boring. Someone came up with a much more fun and creative use. Now it is being used to host events and viewing parties for the World Cup.
It was recently repainted with ‘Carna Copa’ illustrations to celebrate the World Cup by Pedro Figo, who created this unique World Cup-themed art.
The businessman who owns the mall, Mário Valadares, is fond of aviation, and also owns a helicopter used in the Vietnam War.
About the airplane
In its past life, the 737 flew for VASP Viação Aérea São Paulo before the airline’s demise. During its time with VASP, this aircraft served as a Brazilian Air Force One backup and transported eight Brazilian past presidents. Pope John Paul II also took a ride onboard during his visit to Brazil in 1980.
Overall Impression
This is a great use of an airframe that can’t fly anymore. I seems to be a big hit with Brazilian fans.
This may be a silly question, but are you following the World Cup? More than football/soccer that is making the news there. Best of luck to all the teams. Go USA!
Salsaworldtraveler'sblog 
Oh this is very cool! An impressive plane with a rich history now reinvented. How does one get to acquire a Vietnam War era helicopter? Other than being very wealthy, obviously. Have been enjoying the onfield events of The World Cup. Sadly, just about everything to do with the politics of it is highly depressing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a great use of an old plane. It must have been quite a sight to see it being moved through the streets to get to the mall. The S. Vietnamese had a bunch of U.S. helicopters as did many other countries. Politics is adding even more drama to the World Cup. But no beer? Unthinkable! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a wonderful use of a plane for amazing entertainment John. Love the colors!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know the distance to the airport, but it must have been a strange sight to see it being moved over the roads.😄 Thanks for taking the time to visit. 🙏🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally wildly wonderful for sure! ❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I’m crazy, but it seems there would be a better place to put that plane haha. We have been watching the World Cup. I think more people will be interested once it starts to be the elimination rounds and no more ties. Watching American football after watching soccer games you really realize how many commercials there are during games!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just about anyplace else would be better or not any worse. Good point about the lack of commercials in soccer. I guess soccer’s popularity gives sponsors enough bang for the buck.
LikeLike
Wow! That plane was on the roof. Yike!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe it is making a nest up there 😊
LikeLike
Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a neat way to repurpose an old plane!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who ever thought of it gets an A for creativity. Getting the plane there and up there probably took a lot of effort too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i guess it had to be a crane job, but i would have liked to see them try and land it there lol :p
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would have been one hell of a short-field landing.🤣🙏
LikeLike
Cool post, John! I hope that roof holds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope they thought of that. A crash caused be a stationary airplane would be a new one.😃 The greatest structural challenge may come from all of the Brazilian fans.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh funny, we were just in Belo Hoizonte and didn’t know about it! Contagem is a suburb. It is fun watching a soccer game in Brazil, plane or no plane! Maggie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have fun in Brazil, Maggie. I hear that Brazilian football fans are very… uh enthusiastic.😄 John
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a cool use for an old plane!
But you know, the USA would only win if it was women’s soccer 😉
While many Germans are watching, it is more making the news here for the one love rainbow scandal, no freedom of speech and all that … After all, money makes the wordl go round
LikeLiked by 1 person
This USA team has no chance of winning. At least the women, who would be contenders, have won their quest for equal pay with the men’s team. The Qataris have their problems just like FIFA and the rest of the world.
LikeLike
Well, this is a better fate for the plane than to be relegated to a bone yard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. This is a creative and dignified use.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Better than parking an old plane in a desert. As for the WC we should not be there love my football but this corruption sours the whole spectacle for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many football fans feel the same way. I wouldn’t go either. It would be fun to see Doha on another occasion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stopped over on way back from WC in Cape Town and was as boring as hell. Just my opinion
LikeLike
For a soccer-mad nation (that Brazil certainly is), is this a brilliant way to re-use an old plane!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly well done…unless you are looking for a parking space.😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice information..
All the Best for all football teams.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!
LikeLike
As I am English, I was hoping England would win. But USA had quite a few opportunities and were making me sweat forvthe whole 90 minutes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know much about football compared to most fans, but it looked like a good game.
LikeLike