The network of water airports in Central Greece continues to grow, as in addition to the development of the primary network of five water airports in Evia, in Chalkida, Kymi, Karystos, Aidipsos, and Aliveri, new water airports are being added in Agios Konstantinos and Antikyra, where their licensing process has already started, as well as dozens of new water fields.

The meeting was attended by the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Mr. Spanos, the Deputy Regional Governor of Evia, Mr. Keladitis, the President of OLNE, Mr. Gerontitis, the CEO of OLNE, Mr. Maniatis, the Head of the Development Department of OLNE, Mr. Panos, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Charalambous, and the Development Director of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Gargaretas.

The Regional Governor of Central Greece, Mr. Spanos, set the goal of connecting his region with sea planes in order to play a key role in creating the tourism identity for the Central Greece region. As he notably stated:
“In our meeting with the management of OLNE, Messrs. Spyridon Gerontitis and Babis Maniatis, as well as with the company Hellenic Seaplanes, we confirmed the rapid development of the primary network of five water airports in Evia, in Chalkida, Kymi, Karystos, Aidipsos, and Aliveri. We are also exploring the joint development of special piers as part of a secondary network at a number of port facilities, so that sea planes can literally connect the entire island. We have also started similar discussions with areas throughout Central Greece, aiming to create a cohesive water connectivity network for tourism, the daily transportation of permanent residents, and emergency needs.”

Immediately after the meeting, the President of OLNE, Mr. Gerontitis, stated:
“The operation of the water airport on our island provides a new option for connecting with the rest of Greece. It can boost the island’s tourism professions, create new jobs, and offer support and services for patients through air evacuations. We are proceeding at a fast pace, always within the framework of the current legislation, with the aim of completing the investment effort as soon as possible.”

OLNE’s proposal for water fields on the island of Evia includes the areas of Pefki, Limni, Eretria, Nea Stira, Almyropotamos, Marmari, Petri, and Kymasi, where they can be developed alongside the network of water airports.

Regarding the timeline for the completion of the licensing and construction processes for the water airports in Evia, the Development Director, Mr. Charalambous Gargaretas, clarified that the company will strive to complete all procedures as soon as possible in order to operate in the next tourist season.

The CEO of OLNE, Mr. Maniatis, in a related statement said:
“Certainly, what matters to us is the creation of a network as quickly as possible, a new transportation infrastructure that will breathe new life into the connectivity of all of Evia. The shaping and implementation of this new transportation infrastructure has the support of the management of OLNE and the regional leadership of Central Greece, and we believe that soon we will see the expected results.”

The President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, mentioned:
“The creation of a network of water airports and the development of sea plane transport in Greece is now a given, and we will try to cover all destinations across the country as soon as possible. Greece can become the Maldives of Europe…! The fast-track licensing process now confirms the political will of the government to support this new investment activity, highlighting the multiple benefits such an investment would bring to the Greek economy, including job creation, regional development, infrastructure development, and the positive impact on the domestic tourism industry…”

To date, more than 90 water airports across Greece are in the process of licensing and implementation, and if all goes well, soon Greeks will be able to fly almost anywhere with sea planes!