Hellenic Seaplanes becomes stronger with the entry of Christos Chalaris (former Director of e-EFKA) as Vice President responsible for Development!

The opportunities for expanding the developing network of water airports as part of the upgrading and improvement of the infrastructure in the fishing ports were discussed by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Simos Kedikoglou, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Nicolas Charalambous, and the Vice President responsible for Development at the company, Christos Chalaris.

Priority: Upgrading Infrastructure in Evia!

A particular focus of the discussion was the development of water airports and water fields in fire-stricken areas, such as those in the Evia region, which have been planned by the Region of Central Greece and the Evia Port Authority (OLNE S.A.). The Deputy Minister was also informed about the operation of the company’s technical base in the area of Chalkida.

The goal of today’s meeting was to strengthen local communities through the upgrading of fishing ports and fishing shelters by adding the licensing of water airports and water fields, utilizing available resources from the operational program of the Special Managing Service for the Fisheries and Sea Operational Program.

After the meeting, Mr. Kedikoglou stated:
“We discussed developmental projects for upgrading and improving port infrastructure in fishing ports and fishing shelters, adding the licensing of water airports and water fields. In the broader context, we are considering the creation of firefighting sea plane bases developed across Greece to ensure immediate response. The creation of a network of water airports and the development of sea plane transportation in Greece is a given, and the fast licensing process now confirms the government’s political will to support new investment activities, highlighting the multiple benefits such an investment would bring to the Greek economy, such as job creation, regional development, infrastructure and network growth, as well as the positive effects it will have on the domestic tourism industry…”

In a related statement after the meeting, Mr. Charalambous said:
“Certainly, what interests us is the creation of a network as quickly as possible, a new transportation infrastructure that will give new momentum to the connectivity of all of Greece. The formulation and implementation of this new transportation infrastructure has the support of the government, and we believe that we will soon see the expected results. The outcome of today’s meeting with the Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Mr. Kedikoglou, upgrades the fishing ports network and elevates the level of the country’s connectivity with sea planes… To date, more than 90 water airports across Greece are in the licensing and implementation phase, and if all goes well, soon Greeks will be able to fly almost anywhere with sea planes! With the first sea plane flights scheduled for 2022, Hellenic Seaplanes is working tirelessly to be fully prepared for the start of the upcoming tourist season. Moreover, the company’s goal is the smooth but substantial launch of flights, aiming to expand national transportation and create new tourism products.”

The Profile and Statements of the New Vice President of Development at Hellenic Seaplanes

Christos Chalaris joins the management team of Hellenic Seaplanes as Vice President responsible for Development. His role will focus on designing and implementing the company’s development plan, with main pillars being the expansion of the water airport network, the commercial and organic development of the company, and the digital transformation of its services.

Christos Chalaris previously served a two-year term as Director of the Electronic National Social Security Agency (e-EFKA), where he advanced organizational consolidation and digital transformation. He has 25 years of professional experience in drafting studies and business plans, as well as in project and program management in the technology and tourism sectors. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and an MBA.

The new Vice President, Christos Chalaris, stated:
“It is a rare opportunity to participate in the realization of such a strong vision as ‘Connecting Greece’ by Hellenic Seaplanes. Our country, a predominantly island nation, has until now not utilized one of the safest, fastest, and most flexible international modes of transportation—sea planes. Through Hellenic Seaplanes’ development program, dozens of islands, coastal and lakeside destinations will gain immediate and safe connections in the next two years, dramatically improving the daily lives of their residents and boosting their tourism development prospects. In this context, upgrading fishing ports and shelters to accommodate sea planes accelerates development and multiplies the benefits for the corresponding local communities.”