Hellenic Seaplanes is preparing new routes connecting Western Greece with the Italian coast.

Hellenic Seaplanes has unveiled plans for connecting Greek and Italian municipalities via seaplanes, aiming to enhance tourism synergies. The company participated in the 1st International Scientific Conference titled “Greece, Greater Greece, Italy: Shared Cultural Heritage and New Millennial Challenges,” which took place in Ilia.

The conference also saw the attendance of the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, the administration of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Hellenic Seaplanes leadership, and the mayors of the three Ilia municipalities (Andravida-Kyllini, Pyrgos, and Ancient Olympia) alongside three coastal Italian municipalities (Crotone, Squillace, and Ciro Marino). A pivotal role in the discussion was played by the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Athens, which facilitated a mutual point of contact between Hellenic Seaplanes and the municipalities.

The content of the Greece-Italy discussion

During the conference, the discussion revolved around the contribution of seaplanes to enhance fast transportation between Western Greece and Italy. It also explored the potential for joint tourism packages that incorporate seaplanes as a means of transportation and recreation, including aerial sightseeing tours over landmarks.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Mr. Nikolakopoulos, President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, Development Director of Hellenic Seaplanes Mr. Pontoyannis, as well as the Mayor of Andravida-Kyllini Mr. Ioannis Lentas, Mayor of Pyrgos Mr. Efstathios Kannis, and Mayor of Ancient Olympia Mr. Aris Panaiotopoulos, along with the President of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce Mr. Ioannis Tsamichas, the Secretary General Mr. Panagiotis Vamvakaris, and the Mayor of Crotone Mr. Vincenzo Voce, Mayor of Ciro Marino Mr. Andrea Aprigliano (Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs), and the Mayor of Squillace Mr. Vincenzo Zofrea.

The discussion focused on the role of seaplanes in improving rapid transportation between Western Greece and Italy and the creation of combined tourism packages featuring seaplanes as a transportation and leisure option through aerial tours.

Particular emphasis was given to the Kyllini seaplane port, which is under construction and will be the first facility to host seaplanes in Ilia. The upgrade work is progressing rapidly, and the final approval process for its licensing will soon be completed.

Statements from officials
After the meeting, Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Mr. Nikolakopoulos said: “The initiative launched today at this conference to connect Western Greece with Italy via seaplanes is a project that not only promotes regional development but also strengthens our international relations. As a citizen from Ilia, I am particularly happy to see our area playing a central role in this initiative.”

Mr. Ioannis Lentas, Mayor of Andravida-Kyllini, commented: “The creation of the water airport t in Kyllini represents an important development for our area. Our collaboration with Hellenic Seaplanes and the connection to Italy opens new avenues for local economic and tourism growth. We look forward to seeing the seaplanes in operation, enhancing accessibility and the development of our region.”

Italian mayors also made statements:

Mr. Vincenzo Voce, Mayor of Crotone, said: “Connecting our coastal areas with Greece via seaplanes is a significant step towards strengthening our cultural and tourism ties. This initiative will bring our peoples closer together and promote the development of our local economies.”

Mr. Vincenzo Zofrea, Mayor of Squillace, said: “Creating this new sea route between Italy and Greece via seaplanes will give a boost to our tourism industry and strengthen our ties with Western Greece. We are excited about the prospects this opens up for our region.”

Mr. Ioannis Tsamichas, President of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Athens, emphasized: “This initiative to connect the coastal regions of Greece and Italy via seaplanes represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relations. The Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this effort as it highlights our shared cultural and economic values and fosters cooperation and development in business and tourism. This connection will bring our two countries closer together and create new opportunities for local communities and our economies.”

Mr. Rontoyannis, Development Director of Ground Operations of Hellenic Seaplanes, added: “The Italy-Greece collaboration in the seaplane sector will strengthen the relations between our two countries and facilitate communication between the island and coastal regions of both countries. This is an important step towards sustainable tourism development, providing passengers with faster and more comfortable travel options. The completion of the facilities will open new prospects for the connection between the two countries, enhancing the flow of visitors and promoting sustainable mobility in the region.”

Finally, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, concluded: “The connection between Greece and Italy via seaplanes is a strategically important goal for us. This collaboration will not only boost tourism development and the sustainability of transportation but will also create new opportunities for local communities and the economies of both countries. The Kyllini seaplane port will play a central role in this effort, and we are excited about the progress being made.”

The Conference on Entrepreneurship

The 1st International Scientific Conference titled “Greece, Greater Greece, Italy: Shared Cultural Heritage and New Millennial Challenges” was organized as part of the twinning initiatives between the Municipality of Crotone and the Municipality of Andravida-Kyllini, the Municipality of Pyrgos Ilia and the Municipality of Squillace, and finally the Municipality of Ancient Olympia and the Municipality of Ciro Marino. The “Epion Earth” Amphictyony, consisting of the municipalities of Ancient Olympia, Pyrgos, Andravida-Kyllini, the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Athens, and the Holy Monastery of Vlatadon, was also involved.