Seaplane Arrival Paves Way for Waterway Operations in Greece

Photo source: Hellenic Seaplanes.

Greek company Hellenic Seaplanes announced this week that it had received its first CESSNA Caravan C-208 seaplane as part of plans to set into motion the country’s waterway network.

Based in Megara, the CESSNA Caravan C-208 can carry up to 12 people. Aiming to become the first company in Greece to offer hydroplane connections to and from the islands and mainland, Hellenic Seaplanes said a second aircraft would be delivered by the end of September and a third by the end of the year.

The company is now awaiting the finalization of licenses by the Civil Aviation Authority.

“Today’s arrival marks the beginning of the implementation of a 10-year investment initiative,” said Hellenic Seaplanes President and CEO Nikolas Charalambous. “This essential step opens new horizons for Greece’s aviation industry and at the same time sets into motion the country’s waterway network which is ready to support seaplane flight operations and welcome passengers.”

Destinations to be served first

Photo source: Hellenic Seaplanes.

According to Hellenic Seaplanes, flights from Athens to Tinos, Patmos, Sifnos and the Sporades will be the first to operate, significantly shortening travel time.

Meanwhile, hydroplane ports that have already received complete permits are those on Corfu, Paxi and Patra.

“We support the effort to develop a network offering air transport via seaplanes and we will assist in whatever is required with the aim of improving connectivity in Greece, strengthening tourism, and serving citizens,” said Christos Tsitouras, director general of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, after a meeting with Charalambous.

Greece is moving swiftly ahead with the licensing and construction of 150 waterways, which it hopes to have up and running across the country in the next few years.