The first business deal that will change the “demographics” of tourism in Greece is now a reality! This marks a “milestone” collaboration, a new era for aviation in Greece, as its development will result in the creation of a fleet of sea planes under Hellenic Seaplanes and the launch of the first sea plane flights within 2023..!

Hellenic Seaplanes is transforming the aviation sector as the first airline to reintroduce sea planes to Greek skies! The company today received its first sea plane and is working tirelessly to begin passenger flights in the coming months.

The arrival of the Hellenic Seaplanes sea plane today at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport put an end to doubts and rumors that sea planes would never fly in Greece.

Today’s arrival is the result of a 10-year investment initiative that is now being realized, said the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, with the collaboration of several investors who believed in the potential of sea planes and the opportunities they bring to the aviation sector in Greece. By the end of September, the arrival of a second sea plane is scheduled, while a third amphibious plane may also appear before the end of the year.

This significant step opens new horizons for the country’s aviation industry and simultaneously marks the activation of the water airport network across the country, which is preparing to support the operational flights of sea planes and welcome their passengers.

The Profile of Hellenic Seaplanes’ New Sea Plane

The newly arrived aircraft is a CESSNA Caravan C208, manufactured by the American company TEXTRON, which, as part of the strategic partnership signed, will be based at Megara Airport, at the operational base of Ifly, owned by Mr. George Verbis. This company specializes in VIP air transport services, patient air evacuations with helicopters and planes, and offers high-standard, integrated services for a wide range of aircraft.

The sea plane is of the amphibious type, capable of operating both at airports and landing on water fields, and consequently at water airports, with the use of floats.

This aircraft is recognized for its exceptional reliability and performance. With the ability to take off and land on different fields, both land and sea, it is ideal for the “archipelagic” nature of Greece.

The CESSNA Caravan C208 supports air transport for up to 12 passengers and is intended to serve organized air routes as well as chartered, private flights. The company’s new acquisition promises to provide solutions to the challenges of easy connectivity between the islands, flying quickly and easily from port to port and connecting all of Greece, as foretold by Hellenic Seaplanes’ motto, “Connecting Greece.”

The Steps… Before the First Water Takeoff!

In a meeting with the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Dr. Christos Tsitouras, the procedures necessary for Hellenic Seaplanes to register the amphibious aircraft under the Greek registry were discussed. Mr. Tsitouras noted that the upgrade of Greek Civil Aviation will continue and that sea planes will be fully integrated into the daily routine of Greek citizens.

Having now received all necessary licenses and approvals, the company can begin operating within the network of water airports that have been licensed or are in the licensing process, ready to welcome passengers at their terminals.

In his statement, Dr. Christos Tsitouras said: “We support the development of an air transport network through sea planes in Greece and will be a supportive partner in whatever is needed, aiming to improve connectivity in our country, enhance tourism, and serve the citizens.”

After the arrival of Hellenic Seaplanes’ sea plane, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, stated: “The arrival of the first sea plane in Greece marks the first step of a private investment initiative to establish the industry in Greece. This effort has the support of the Government, with the goal of improving and diversifying the transportation options for our citizens and visitors to our country. We are pleased that as a country, we have reached this point, as initiatives for commercial sea plane flights in Greece begin. This is a new beginning for the tourism and air transport sector. As the political leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, we will continue our efforts to upgrade transportation for the benefit of citizens and the country.”

For this special moment of the sea plane’s arrival in Greece, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, stated: “I am extremely excited that the dream of sea planes in Greece is finally becoming a reality. As the Minister of Development and Investments, I worked hard to change the legal framework and bring this mode of transport to life. Hellenic Seaplanes has brought the first sea plane to Greece today, and it is scheduled to begin operations in the Sporades by September. The second sea plane will arrive soon to operate in the Ionian. I am confident that this venture will be very successful, and when the water airport in Athens begins its operations, sea planes will become a very popular mode of transportation. Good luck!”

The Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Ioannis Pappas, stated: “The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy welcomes the arrival of the first sea plane in Greece. This is a significant milestone for our country. The development of the sea plane sector is an innovative venture and a meaningful investment initiative with multiple benefits. Sea planes will significantly contribute to improving and upgrading transportation, as well as connecting our islands with the mainland, particularly the islands in the Northeastern Aegean. This investment will highlight our country’s island nature and further enhance its tourism product.”

On his part, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, supported: “The arrival of the first sea plane in Greece is a historic event for us but also for the transportation sector in general. We are convinced that the operation of sea planes in our country will serve in the best possible way to exploit the unique natural resources of Greece, and Hellenic Seaplanes will create the conditions for the development of this sector. Our goal is to provide our passengers with a unique travel experience and contribute to the enhancement of the national tourism identity, while operating in an air transport sector that has much room for improvement.”

With the news of the arrival of the first sea plane in Greece, Hellenic Seaplanes embarks on its journey in the skies in 2023, with a dynamic course towards safe, fast air transport of passengers, offering a new dimension of tourism and transport that has long been missing in Greece!