In parallel with the development of its network of destinations across Greece, Hellenic Seaplanes is awaiting the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority to open its wings for commercial flights over the Greek seas…

After a busy summer and the arrival of the first sea plane of Hellenic Seaplanes, the company continues to strengthen its infrastructure network in order to begin its flights and fully serve its passengers.

The approval for the port of Patmos marks another positive development in the expansion of the network in Greece, as it officially becomes the first sea plane destination in the Dodecanese! The relevant decision was issued by the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HNGS), in cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

The company “Patmos Seaplane Waterport IKE,” a subsidiary of Hellenic Seaplanes, has undertaken the management of the sea planes at the port of Skala, from where flights will initially be operated to the airports of Leros and Samos, as well as to the water airports of Tinos and Sifnos, which will soon be ready. In a second stage, subject to approval, a connection to Attica is expected, with the creation of a water airport along the coastal front to be announced in the coming days.

The Mayor of Patmos, Mr. Lefteris Pentis, commented on the island’s readiness to welcome the sea planes: “Without a doubt, flights with sea planes can contribute to improving accessibility and expanding the tourism season. This addition can lead to the creation of an enriched travel experience offered by a high-quality island destination like Patmos.”

“New life for transportation capabilities brought by sea plane infrastructure”

The President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, highlighted the significance of the approvals for seaplane flights:
“At Hellenic Seaplanes, we are pleased to have added another destination, Patmos, knowing the important role the sea planes will play on the island, serving passengers by air since it does not have an airport. We have already developed a network of water airports and water fields throughout the country, and we are ready to open our wings and welcome passengers as soon as possible. Sea planes will change the way we travel in Greece and will breathe new life into aviation and transportation opportunities across all destinations.”

The Southern Aegean Region and the 30 water airports…

The development of the largest network of water airports in Greece is in its final stages, and it will include 30 water airports in the Southern Aegean, connecting the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, and the mainland… Patmos opens the way with the approvals for Southern Aegean destinations, and more destinations are expected soon!

With these new developments, the Governor of the Southern Aegean Region, Mr. Giorgos Hatzimarkos, commented:
“Today, the network of water airports in the Southern Aegean has grown by welcoming Patmos. Patmos is an island with history and great prospects regarding the upgrading of its tourism identity. The approval of the water field in Patmos could be said to ‘open the dance’ for the other islands of the Aegean to acquire water airports. The strategically important port of Patmos will play a key role in connecting with the other water airports of the Dodecanese and Northern Aegean, while also potentially upgrading its tourism products, on which our country is now heavily dependent, such as cruise tourism, and combining it with scenic flights by sea plane.” 

The Civil Aviation Authority has a crucial role now for seaplane flights to begin!

With the arrival of the first aircraft of Hellenic Seaplanes in Greece, the procedures began in cooperation with the competent authorities for the company to obtain an Air Carrier Certificate and register additional sea planes in its fleet, as well as an Air Operator Certificate. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) plays a critical role in this process, as it is the body that issues the Air Carrier Certificate (AOC), confirming that the business has the professional capacity to ensure the safe operation of flights.

The timely completion of the licensing process by the CAA, which is expected by the end of October, will give the “green light” to Hellenic Seaplanes to be ready to carry out its first flights within 2023, effectively preparing for the upcoming tourist season.

Training for water airports personnel begins!

Hellenic Seaplanes is also setting the course for training potential employees at the country’s water airports, and its launch is closer than ever!

Specifically, for the water airports of Skyros, Skopelos, Alonissos, Tinos, Patmos, Chalkida, Aidipsos, Kymi, Karystos, Chios, Psara, Oinousses, Kalamata, Kyllini, Amfilochia, and Sifnos, the first training cycle will be implemented for the personnel who will staff the first water airports and water fields.

The training process is expected to begin in October 2023.