Seaplanes: The New Bridge Between Greece and Albania

Hellenic Seaplanes had the opportunity to discuss expanding its network of water airports to Albania following a working meeting held on the first day of July in Ioannina. The focus was on providing information about the technical specifications required to create water airports along the Albanian Riviera.

The meeting included the General Consul of Albania in Ioannina, Ms. Irida Laci, the Mayor of Vlora, Albania, Mr. Ermal Dredha, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, and the member of the Ioannina Hotel Association, Mr. Stathis Sioutis.

Hellenic Seaplanes SA, a pioneer in the seaplane industry, is at the forefront of creating new collaboration opportunities between Greece and Albania. Albania is showing strong interest in connecting with Greece via seaplanes, opening new horizons in the transportation sector.

A Visionary Plan for Ten Water Airports Centered in Vlora
During the meeting, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous presented the significant development opportunities that the creation of a water airport network centered around the second largest port of Albania, Vlora, would bring. He proposed the creation of ten water airports, including a metropolitan water airport, along with regional ones in the Adriatic Sea.

With Hellenic Seaplanes’ expertise in the licensing and construction of seaplane infrastructure, and with more than 150 water airport and water field projects already in its portfolio, important directions were given to ensure the business proposal moves forward to the next steps.

Discussion on the Water Airport at the Ioannina City Hall
The visit to Ioannina also included an informative meeting between Mr. Charalambous and the Mayor of Ioannina, Mr. Thoma Begkas. Hellenic Seaplanes’ agenda focused on the readiness of the water airport at Lake Pamvotis, the acceleration of the licensing procedures, and the potential connection between Corfu and Ioannina’s airport as part of the upcoming seaplane flight operations.

The possibility of hosting the World Seaplane Congress at the lake was also discussed, along with the prospects this event would bring for the city. Both the local government and Hellenic Seaplanes aim for Lake Ioannina to be the first in the country to have a water airport!

On the seaplane project, Mayor Mr. Begkas stated: “Ioannina wants to become a key destination for the seaplane project, with a modern water airport that can easily and quickly connect with other destinations in western Greece and the Ionian islands. Ioannina has all the prerequisites to boost its tourism with the arrival of seaplanes at Lake Pamvotis and at our airport.”

Albania’s Growing Tourism Profile and Seaplanes
Albania has gradually become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The increase in its resorts and accommodations created a need to optimize transportation methods and infrastructure, which led to interest in bringing seaplanes to its shores. The example of Greece, which is developing its own network, as well as international destinations like the Maldives, which have been using seaplanes for decades, serve as a model for Albania. The country aims to bring this alternative, but fast and safe mode of transportation to its seas.

After the meeting, the participants made the following statements:

The General Consul of Albania in Ioannina, Ms. Irida Laci, stated: “I believe that the initiative for creating water airports in Albania will have a significant developmental impact on the country. Being part of the seaplane network will allow both Albanian citizens and visitors to travel quickly, flexibly, and safely. 

For us the creation of a water airport network will serve as another important pillar for the development of our country and will optimize our ports and airports. With the arrival of seaplanes, flights will operate from/to other cities within the country and international destinations. This will also include future connections with Greek destinations, such as the seaplane connection from Vlora to Ioannina.”

The Mayor of Vlora, Albania, Mr. Ermal Dredha, stated: “The construction and operation of water airports in Albania, specifically in the Municipality of Vlora, are expected to boost tourism, business, and commercial development in the country. Furthermore, in our municipality, it will create new jobs and become a new investment project that will support our port and airport. Their operation will be key for our air connections with other countries and, of course, with Greece and Ioannina, bringing new commercial, business, and tourism partnerships.”

The CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, noted: “The establishment and operation of a water airport network in Albania will be an innovative development prospect at both a regional and national level. These prospects are based on strengthening the country’s tourism, commerce, and business sectors through the introduction of a new, flexible, and safe transportation method. Hellenic Seaplanes is planning modern water airports that, in collaboration with the Albanian government and the Municipality of Vlora, will attract visitors from various countries. We believe in the potential and benefits that the water airports being built in Greece, as well as those being developed in Albania, will bring. Seaplanes have been tested in many foreign countries for decades and have proven to be a reliable solution for both countries as an additional transport option.”