Aria Hotels is Building Vertiports to Offer ‘Air Taxi’ Services

Aria Hotels, a Greek hospitality subsidiary of Libra Group, will build and operate four vertiports in Greece to support the uptake of “air taxis”, which are electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

With strategic locations, including the capital city of Athens, the South mainland, and the Aegean islands, the vertiports are expected to enhance regional connectivity and promote ecotourism. This is the first construction of its kind and is part of a 50-million-euro investment by Aria Hotels to advance the uptake of eVTOLs and the future of Greece’s sustainable economy.

A group with approximately 70 properties across Greece known for curating authentic Greek experiences, Aria Hotels in 2022 became one of the first hospitality companies in the world, and the first in Greece, to directly lease the highly innovative eVTOL aircraft. Developed by BETA Technologies, Aria has leased 10 all-electric ALIA eVTOLs through an agreement with LCI, an aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group and a leading aircraft lessor.

An eVTOL airctaft. Photo source: Aria Hotels

According to Aria Hotels CEO Makis Pantazatos, enhancing connectivity and offering unique travel experiences will attract more visitors to Greece.

“Aria is proud to boost tourism and create jobs across Greece while promoting sustainability – our ethos as a Libra Group company,” he said.

The new vertiports will include electric charging stations and relaxation areas for customers, requiring minimal space and environmental impact as compared to infrastructure for traditional aircraft.

“With the construction of this vital infrastructure, we are proud to make the first of its kind investments to allow Greece to benefit from new technologies supporting ecotourism,” Pantazatos said.

eVTOL aircraft can carry five passengers and a pilot

An impression of a vertiport. Photo source: Aria Hotels

The eVTOLs are net carbon-zero and designed to carry five passengers and a pilot or 1,400 lbs (635 kgs) of payload. With a maximum range of 250 nautical miles and the ability to recharge in under an hour, these aircraft are ideal for transporting tourists from Greece’s mainland to its islands and everywhere in between.

“This investment also furthers Aria’s driving mission to help more travelers experience authentic Greece’s culture, history, and unparalleled and diverse beauty,” Pantazatos added.

Benefits

Representing the future of urban air mobility, the eVTOL aircraft has several key benefits including environmental sustainability as they produce zero emissions during flight, reducing air pollution and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.

Other benefits include reduced noise pollution and high operational efficiency.

An eVTOL airctaft. Photo source: Aria Hotels

Moreover, the increased accessibility and connectivity provided by eVTOLs can boost local economies by bringing more visitors to small and remote communities, supporting local businesses, and preserving cultural heritage.

Additionally, the development and operation of eVTOL infrastructure will create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.

Aria Hotels will oversee the operation of the vertiports and manage the 10 eVTOLs to provide efficient and eco-friendly travel options for tourists and locals alike.

“Through the innovative work of Aria Hotels, in partnership with our aerospace subsidiary and leading global aviation lessor LCI, we will support sustainable tourism and the economic growth of Greece and the Greater Eastern Mediterranean region in hospitality, aerospace, renewable energy, and beyond,” said Libra Group CEO Manos Kouligkas.