High hopes for hydroplane flights this summer

Nikolas Charalambous, President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes S.A., expressed his optimism to Enimerosi that the first seaplane flights to Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands will finally start this summer.

However, the prerequisite is to overcome the final obstacles, which have delayed the start of commercial flights initially scheduled for Spring 2024, as announced by the company a few months ago.

The plan for seaplane flights in the Ionian has been announced many times, but the project has become an urban myth, as it has remained stagnant for years. Nevertheless, Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. claims that after 11 years of efforts, we will see seaplanes in the Ionian skies this summer, estimating that test flights with the Cessna Caravan C-208 will take place within July.

According to Mr. Charalambous, the delay in starting commercial flights is due to two outstanding issues. The first is obtaining the AOC (Air Operator Certificate) from the Civil Aviation Authority, allowing the company to undertake air operations with the passenger seaplane, a Cessna Caravan C-208, which will initially handle the flight operations. The second issue concerns the transferral of the amphibious 12-seater seaplane to the land and its maintenance area, as it needs to be taken out of the water after completing daily flights for washing, refueling, and all necessary maintenance tasks.

As Mr. Charalambous clarified to Enimerosi, for this to happen, a slipway needs to be constructed at Corfu Port. However, the licensing procedures for its construction are time-consuming, which is why they are considering using Ioannina airport as the seaplane's base to overcome this issue that has delayed the planning.

Second plane

He stated that once the above issues are resolved, the amphibious Cessna Caravan 208C, which is stationed in Megara, will be able to immediately start its flight operations from Corfu, with the first stops being Paxos, the Diapontia Islands, and possibly Patras. Moreover, with the issuance of the commercial operation permit, the company will proceed with ordering a second 19-seater seaplane, which is located in Switzerland.

"In July, the first test flights will take place, so the pilots can familiarise themselves with the surrounding area of Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands, where they will be landing on water. We estimate that commercial flights will start in July-August. There is already demand, and we are receiving requests from interested parties," said Mr. Charalambous.

Transport equivalence being looked into

He said that, in addition to the daily scheduled flights to the neighbouring Ionian islands, there will also be the possibility of ad hoc charter flights, meaning the entire seaplane can be chartered for private transportation. There will also be sightseeing flights over local or nearby attractions. At the same time, the company's plan includes creating special tour packages for cruise tourists.

The ticket price will be determined based on the flight duration. For a half-hour flight, the cost will be 75-80 euros. Regarding permanent residents, in response to a question from Enimerosi, he clarified that the Ministry of Shipping is examining the possibility of including them in the transport equivalence programme to cover part of the transport cost.

All year round

Mr. Charalambous said that commercial flights will be conducted all year round, but not with the same frequency as in the summer. There is no flight limitation per day at licensed water aerodromes, such as in Corfu, Paxos, and Patras. On the other hand, in water airfields, which include Othoni, Mathraki, and Ereikoussa, up to six pairs of flights are allowed per day at each location.

He clarified, however, that seaplanes have a wide range of operations, as, in addition to adding value to tourism, they facilitate transportation between the islands and can also play a supportive role in services for air ambulance, research, rescue, and more.

MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI