Hellenic Seaplanes:"Hydroplane services to begin in spring."
hydroplanes
15 Dec 2023
/ 14:19
CORFU. The goal is to provide quick service to passengers living in Corfu, as well as to visitors interested in exploring the surrounding islands.
On Thursday, 14 December, the CEO of Corfu Port Authority (OLKE), Spyros Zervopoulos, met with Mr. Govas from Northern Ionian Waterways and the CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Nikos Charalambous in Corfu.
The purpose of the meeting was to initiate the start of commercial seaplane flights in Corfu and Paxos, the first two licensed seaplane routes in Greece.
Mr. Charalambous spoke to Enimerosi about practical matters concerning seaplane flights in Corfu, Paxos, and the Ionian Islands.
First flights in spring 2024
Mr. Charalambous said that the first flights are expected to begin in the spring of 2024, in time for the Easter period, as all necessary licences are in place. He expressed hope that the network with potential destinations will further expand.
The goal is to serve passengers living in Corfu and visitors interested in exploring the surrounding islands in a short period. With the commencement of the routes, twelve flights per day will be introduced to Paxos, Diapontia Islands and Ioannina, as well as sightseeing flights.
Ticket prices are linked to the duration of the flight and will range from 80 to 85 Euros for a half-hour flight. Currently, the company has brought in one plane for the flights, parked in Megara, and two more are set to follow.
It was stated in the press conference that initially, there will be some trial and training flights for the pilots to familiarise themselves with the areas and for the reception services to prepare.
Licences obtained for three water areas
As Mr. Zervopoulos stated in the press conference, licences have recently been obtained for three water areas in Othoni, Erikoussa, and Mathraki. He added that it is looking positive for the commencement of seaplane operations.
He also pointed out that this development will contribute to the development of Corfu both in terms of the tourist product and in providing a service for the permanent residents of the islands.
Mr. Govas, in turn, thanked Mr. Zervopoulos for the collaboration over the years and stated that the primary goal is to implement the seaplane project in the Ionian Islands, especially in the ports under the jurisdiction of OLKE. He added that this is the first seaplane network licensed in Greece.
He also expressed his pleasure at the participation of OLKE in the Northern Ionian Waterways joint venture, which is the operating body of the waterways.
Strategic importance of cruises
As announced in a press release by Hellenic Seaplanes, the creation of special sightseeing packages for cruise tourists holds strategic importance. Hellenic Seaplanes is already in advanced discussions with tourism and maritime companies to jointly develop aerial entertainment activities exclusively for cruise ship passengers. These activities will include tours and guided visits over the attractions of Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, and the Diapontia Islands (Othoni).
Furthermore, with the initiation of flights from Corfu to Paxos, Antipaxos, and the Diapontia Islands, the creation of a network connecting seaplanes with the waterways and ports of Western Greece and the Peloponnese becomes particularly interesting. In the flight plan of Hellenic Seaplanes, the facilities in Amphilohia and Ioannina Lake are included, while a top priority is always the ready-to-go seaplane base in Patras, as well as the seaplanes in Kylini and Kalamata. The completion of their installations will facilitate the connection between Corfu and the Peloponnese.
Interest in this network has intensified recently, as places like Ermioni, Monemvassia, Nafplion, Nea Kios, and Gythio have given the green light. The issue and the challenge is now growing the network of service stations in the Ionian, especially with the interest of Zakynthos and Sami in Cephalonia, aiming to bring seaplanes to their ports.
