Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. is conducting a series of meetings with the relevant ministries and authorities responsible for the licensing process of water airports, with the ultimate goal of launching seaplane operations in Greek seas during the summer of 2020.

The meetings with the ministries are part of the efforts to address all issues concerning the new bill, which will soon be submitted to Parliament. This bill aims to simplify licensing processes, accelerate the development of the water airport network in Greece, and attract private investment in this significant project. The new bill, with all necessary amendments, will be presented in Parliament in the coming days.

During an economic conference at the Hilton Hotel, the Minister of Development and Investments, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, reiterated his statement while speaking with the Minister of Finance of Cyprus, Mr. Harris Georgiades: “The first seaplanes will fly in 2020 and will enhance the connectivity of the island regions of Greece…”

In meetings held at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, under the continuous presence and supervision of Deputy Minister Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, key issues related to the new bill for the construction and operation of water airports were discussed, including the creation of refueling stations for seaplanes. Special attention was given to the problems preventing the immediate implementation of investments in certain services. The Deputy Minister emphasized that “the development of a water airport network is a national project, and the creation and implementation of this new national transportation infrastructure has already started and provides a solution to the connectivity problems of our coastal regions…”

At the Ministry of Shipping, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nikolaos Charalambous, met with the Minister of Shipping, Mr. Yiannis Plakiotakis. After reviewing the current state of the seaplane industry, Mr. Plakiotakis requested the Ministry of Shipping’s support to address the challenges that have hindered the investment in recent years. The two sides also discussed possible solutions to overcome existing obstacles and pave the way for the establishment of seaplane operations in Greece.

Both Mr. Plakiotakis and the Secretary General of Port Policy, Mr. Kyriopoulos, confirmed the government’s political will to support the development of the water airport network in Greece, emphasizing the multiple benefits this will bring to the Greek islands. Specifically, Mr. Plakiotakis stated: “In 2020, seaplanes must operate, and the Ministry will support all investment initiatives in the seaplane sector, which can boost the islands, create new jobs, and improve connections between mainland Greece and remote destinations.”

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Shipping, Mr. Kyriopoulos, even proposed a specific set of steps that the ministry will take to address the issues in an organized and timely manner.

In a separate meeting at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, with the General Secretary of Natural Environment & Water, Mr. Arabosis, and the Hellenic Seaplanes management, the focus was on environmental licensing and informing services to minimize response times. Discussions also centered on the categorization of water airports and the implementation of criteria for Standard Environmental Commitments (SEC) to accelerate the licensing process.

At the World Travel Market in London (WTM London), the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Theocharis, met with the CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes. He highlighted that cruise tourism to Greece and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region is rapidly gaining momentum and that seaplane transportation could significantly contribute to this growth. The Minister referenced the new bill that will soon be presented to Parliament, the utilization of tourist ports for the development of water airports, and the aim to speed up the licensing procedures to create new tourism products.

While in London, Mr. Nikolas Charalambous also held meetings with the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT), Ms. Angela Gerekou, and other EOT officials. Furthermore, company representatives met with international cruise agencies to advance the seaplane-cruise collaboration.

At the Greek exhibition space at the tourism fair, Mr. Charalambous had an extensive discussion with the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Ms. Rodi Kratsa, about the completion of water airports in the Ionian. Topics included the operation of seaplanes at the Corfu and Paxos water airports in the upcoming tourist season, serving cruise ships and passengers. Additionally, the other islands in the Ionian cluster are expected to have their water airports completed by the end of the year, as Ms. Kratsa confirmed.

The strategic collaboration between cruise ships and seaplanes can create new types of tourism, such as sightseeing and adventure tourism with flights over major landmarks. This opens up a new, specialized, premium market, generating profitable tourist packages and enhancing the country’s brand.

Intensive consultations are also taking place in the Attica Region and its municipalities regarding the licensing of the water airport network and the creation of a metropolitan water airport in Attica, in preparation for the busy summer tourist season. “We aim to connect Attica and its islands with seaplanes, as well as integrate them into the growing national water airport network. We are committed to developing our region, offering solutions to challenges, and improving the daily lives of its residents…” stated the Governor of Attica, Mr. Patoulis.

The President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nikolas Charalambous, stated: “There is an ongoing collective effort by the government to support the seaplane sector, and it is evident. We are in constant communication with ministries and relevant services, offering our expertise to establish a sustainable framework for the development and operation of water airports. The first flights are expected in the coming months. This framework will play a crucial role in the Transportation, Tourism, and broader development sectors in Greece and Europe. Our company is continuing the development of the water airport network in Greece and is planning the operational environment for seaplanes and the destinations they will connect. With strategy and persistence, the team at Hellenic Seaplanes is working to overcome all obstacles.”

It is also important to note that Hellenic Seaplanes continues its discussions with authorities from the Ministry of Public Order, the Ministry of Defense, Invest in Greece, and officials from the Ministry of Economy and the Real Estate Service, all of whom are involved in the process of granting concessions for water airports in Greece’s lakes.

During a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Development & Investments (responsible for industry and commerce), Mr. Nikos Papathanasis, who has experience with seaplanes from Canada, Mr. Charalambous briefed him on the technical specifications, similarities, and differences between the two seaplane models that will join Hellenic Seaplanes’ fleet for the 2020 summer season. The discussion, fueled by Mr. Papathanasis’s technical knowledge in aeronautics, was particularly insightful and led to a meaningful exchange of ideas between both parties.

The initial flight plan will include routes between the water airports of Corfu, Paxos, and Patras, with a combination of Ionian airports. The next phase will involve flights to Aegean destinations, such as Patmos, Tinos, Volos, Skiros, Skopelos, and Alonissos, further expanding the company’s service offerings in the Sporades.

Finally, Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. will soon launch its reservation system through its official website, allowing the first passengers to make online reservations for flights to the water airports of Patras, Corfu, Paxos, Patmos, Tinos, and Skiros.