All developments for the mega seaplane project and the new water airport licensing in the country’s network.

The mega project of water airports and seaplane operations is getting closer to take-off, as the construction and licensing processes are in full swing across the country…
With the goal of having around 150 water airports operational within five years, creating the largest network in all of Europe, said in detail the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes S.A., Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, and the President of Hellenic Water Airports, Mr. Anastasios Govas, the leadership of the two companies spearheading the developments on the licensing of water airports.

The operation of water airports aims to transform Greece into the Maldives of Europe, creating 2,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs, rewriting the transportation map in the country, and, at full development, contributing over 1 billion euros to the Greek economy.
This is a project that brings investments of over 300 million euros within five years, through the construction of water airports (over 50 million euros), the purchase of aircraft, with the number estimated to reach at least 20 in the first five years (around 130 million euros), and the creation of a seaplane pilot training school, among other initiatives.

Although the processes for the completion of the project have faced significant challenges and delays, including last year due to the pandemic, preparations have not stopped. The following report includes an analysis of the stage each water airport has reached, undertaken by the two companies, Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. and Hellenic Water Airports I.K.E, which are committed to completing this difficult task of creating a national network of water airports… while the next steps for the successful completion of all future projects have been outlined.

“We will continue to utilize and build on what we have achieved so far to ensure that our design for the implementation of water airport licenses progresses rapidly and consistently. At the same time, we are identifying new target locations that could potentially become destinations and, in time, have their own water airport,” said Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes.

Mr. Anastasios Govas, President of Hellenic Water Airports I.K.E, commented: “We are working systematically to create an extensive network of water airports across Greece. The existence of licensed water airports is a necessary condition for the safe operation of seaplanes, which, through their flights, will contribute to the development of local economies on the islands, the upgrade of tourism, and consequently the improvement of the quality of life for their residents.”

Regarding developments around the water airports, they concern the technical files for the water airports across the country, on which the two companies have been active for some time, building the network on which the organized seaplane passenger flights will operate. The completion of the water airport network and the launch of flight operations, institutionally fortified, opens the way for attracting further investments, as companies from Greece and abroad are expected to take steps to acquire a share of the new market that will be created.

The 30 water airports in the South Aegean are also making steady progress towards licensing, with the Regional Governor Mr. Chatzimarkos leading the race among the regions!

The South Aegean water airports, through the collaboration of Hellenic Seaplanes, Hellenic Water Airports, and Optimum Value, are at a particularly advanced stage, with environmental impact studies and noise studies for the islands: Mykonos, Kythnos, Sikinos, Serifos, Donousa, Anafi, Chalki, Symi, Tilos, Karapathos, Kastellorizo, Agathonisi, Nisyros, Astypalaia, Paros, Kos, Milos, Syros, Kalymnos, Leipsoi, Leros, Ios, and Kasos being completed. Licensing files for the islands of Donousa, Agathonisi, Symi, and Anafi are at an advanced stage. Soon, all technical files will be completed and submitted to the competent department of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

Ioannina Water Airport: All is proceeding as planned, on Lake Pamvotida!

The excellent cooperation between the two companies and the public authorities involved in the project is confirmed once again, as the site selections for the potential locations for the water airport have been completed, and the environmental and noise studies are set to start in the near future.

Kyllini Water Airport: In the final stretch!

With the completion of the site selection process, Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. and Hellenic Water Airports I.K.E. are finalizing the last technical details, always in cooperation with the Kyllini Port Authority, in order to submit the technical licensing file for the water airport to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport by February.

Euvoia Water Airports: All five water airports move forward towards licensing!

In Euvoia, everything is on track, as environmental studies for the five water airports on the island have been completed, specifically in Chalkida, Aidipsos, Karystos, Aliveri, and Kymi. The planned timeline aims for all five water airports in Euboea to receive their licenses for establishment at the same time from the competent authorities. 

Volos Water Airport: Final approval of the establishment license is awaited!

With the submission of all documents for the Volos water airport application, the joint venture of Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. and Optimum Value is awaiting final approval for the establishment license from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Tinos and Skyros: Construction of water airports begins!

After the removal of urban planning obstacles, the construction plan has been set, and the inauguration of these two water airports is expected by the spring.

Chios, Psara, and Oinousses bring water airports back on track for implementation!

Water airports on the Diapontian Islands. Water airports are planned for Ereikoussa, Othonous, and Mathraki (the three beautiful islands north of Corfu). Hellenic Water Airports has completed the preparation of the technical files for the three water airports, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport as the contractor for the “Corfu Port Authority,” which has jurisdiction over the ports of the Diapontian Islands.

The Amfilochia Water Airport is designated by Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. as the overnight stop for seaplanes on the Ionian side, with final approval expected from the Municipality of Amfilochia.

Crete enters strongly with 7 water airports on the island…

Starting with the Rethymno water airport, followed by the water airports of Sitia, Heraklion, Ierapetra, Chania, Malevizi, and Agia Galini…

With the initiative of the Peloponnese Regional Governor, Mr. Nikas, the licensing of a water airport at Lake Taka has begun…

Patmos continues with the completion of the construction of the water airport following the issuance of the relevant urban planning decree…
After the removal of urban planning obstacles, construction will be completed soon.

Skopelos and Alonissos finalize the last licensing documents and begin construction…

The licensing process from the Attica Regional Governor, Mr. Patoulis, is also expected to begin for the proposed design of the two companies to create a network of water airports in the Argosaronic islands and the coastal areas of the Attica region

Plans for further development of water airports in Greece continue!

Although many water airports have already made progress and are at different stages of readiness for their licensing, this does not prevent either Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. or Hellenic Water Airports from proceeding with their planning for further engagement with agencies, port authorities, and other coastal areas or islands to acquire the necessary license for the establishment of new water airports.

The position of the airlines is twofold, as a Seaplane Pilot Training Academy will be established, along with an expanded collaboration that will offer joint ticket “packages” or complementary services between seaplane routes and traditional airline routes, to facilitate the transportation of passengers to and from conventional airports and water airports.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Yiannis Kefalogiannis, emphasized that “the development of a water airport network is a national priority, and the formation and implementation of this new national transport infrastructure has already begun, providing a solution to the connection problems of coastal areas in our country…”

He also stressed that the water airport project is essential in Greece due to its topography and the islands that make it necessary to develop a network to facilitate the movement of not only tourists but also, primarily, the residents of remote islands.

In a related statement, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Harry Theoharis, mentioned that “with the commencement of flights, seaplanes will create new tourism products, parallel activities, and new jobs on islands and remote areas that will now have air connectivity and quick access from urban centers and airports.”

The significance of creating the network was also highlighted recently by the new Deputy Minister of Shipping, Mr. Konstantinos Katsafados, who stated: “2021 will be the year of seaplanes. This is a national investment, and the Ministry of Shipping will support such initiatives that highlight island life, facilitate easy transportation for citizens to islands and the mainland, and give a necessary boost to new tourism products and new job opportunities.”