Bilbao Airport is auctioning off two long-abandoned light aircraft, both with decades of history and a starting bid of zero euros. The sale aims to free up space and could attract collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or businesses seeking a unique piece of aviation heritage.
Two vintage aircraft, left idle for years at Bilbao Airport, are now seeking new owners as Aena launches a public auction with a starting price of zero euros. The move is part of an effort to clear space at the airport, and the sale comes with no deposit required for participation.
The aircraft in question are a Cessna 177, registration EC-FQL, and a Socata Morane-Saulnier MS893-E Rallye 180 GT, registration EC-DBG. Both have been officially declared abandoned, and their auction was announced in the Boletín Oficial del Estado on July 6, 2026. Interested buyers can submit offers according to the terms set out in the official documentation, which is available upon request from Aena. The opening of bids will take place at Bilbao Airport, with the exact date to be communicated after the submission period closes.
How the Auction Works
The auction is open to anyone who meets the requirements outlined in the official terms. Notably, there is no need to provide a financial guarantee to participate. However, while the starting price is zero, acquiring either aircraft is far from a simple bargain. Both planes have been out of service for years, and restoring them to airworthy condition would require significant investment. Costs related to transport, repairs, and administrative procedures could easily surpass the initial outlay.
Decades of History
The Cessna 177RG Cardinal was manufactured in the United States in 1975, while the Socata Rallye 180 GT first took to the skies in December 1977. Both models are well-known in the world of light aviation, but time has taken its toll. The Socata is described as almost completely dismantled, and the Cessna, though intact, has reportedly not flown for over a decade. As a result, their most likely future could be as sources of spare parts, scrap, or even as decorative pieces—an outcome seen before with retired aircraft.
Unique Stories Behind the Planes
Beyond their technical details, both planes carry a certain sentimental value. The Socata, in particular, has a colorful past: for years, it was used for aerial advertising along the beaches of Galicia and the Cantabrian coast, towing banners and dropping promotional items such as balls, visors, and small parachutes. These summer campaigns became a familiar sight in the 1980s. According to accounts linked to Bilbao Airport's aviation history, the Socata once belonged to pilot Antonio Escondrillas, who was active in both Bizkaia and Galicia's aerial advertising scene. The aircraft also operated in La Rioja, where it was authorized for banner towing and promotional drops.
The Cessna 177 also has its own history, having served an aerial photographer who documented infrastructure projects in Bizkaia from above. The rise of drones and satellite imagery has since transformed this line of work, making such aircraft less essential for aerial documentation.
Who Might Be Interested?
While neither plane is likely to return to the skies without major investment, their rarity and backstories could appeal to collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or businesses looking for a distinctive display piece. Restaurants, hotels, or museums might see value in acquiring a piece of Spanish aviation history at a symbolic price.
With the auction now open, these two aircraft—once part of Spain's light aviation landscape—await a new chapter, whether as restoration projects, conversation pieces, or simply as reminders of a bygone era.
