Greece’s First Helicopter Airline Connects Athens to 10 Islands

Photo source: hoper

Those looking to travel to the Greek islands fast and safe can now reach their dream destinations in less than an hour, thanks to a new helicopter airline company that recently launched in Greece.

Hoper, the new company, offers daily scheduled helicopter flights, providing fast, comfortable, and safe travel to and from the Aegean islands, particularly those without airports.

Travelers departing from Athens can now reach destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Antiparos, Ios, Kea, Sifnos, Spetses, Tinos, Folegandros, and Patmos in the Dodecanese.

Dimitris Memos, CEO of hoper. Photo © Greek Travel Pages

The company plans to expand its service to include more islands and mainland locations starting in autumn 2024. Prices for flights start at 156 euros per trip, with an average cost of 350 euros.

“With Hoper, we aim to reduce travel time significantly, allowing travelers to save up to an entire holiday day,” said Hoper CEO Dimitris Memos during a media briefing introducing the company’s services.

Key features of the destinations

The founders of the company George Papaioannidis, Dimitris Memos, Kostas Gerardos, Matilda Natan with Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christina Alexopoulou (center). Photo source: hoper

The Athens-based company has introduced new services in the Greek tourism sector, operating daily with a focus on meeting the needs of local communities. Flights depart from hoper’s base in Koropi, Athens, as well as from Mykonos and Santorini to other islands.

Key features of these destinations include:

– Lack of air connectivity
– Limited infrastructure
– High demand
– Diverse travel activities
– Proximity to tourist attractions

Special provisions are available for passengers’ luggage. They can carry hand luggage or a small suitcase depending on their chosen service, while larger baggage is transported by hoper via ferry to their destination.

Minister: A groundbreaking step for Greek tourism

The CEO disclosed in response to journalists’ questions that the overall project commenced with an initial investment of 3 million euros, with plans to involve external investors in the company’s long-term development.

With this capital, hoper equipped its fleet with five modern Robinson-class helicopters (two rented and three purchased), each capable of carrying up to four passengers and a pilot.

To realize their vision, hoper’s executives collaborated with local governments to enhance existing heliports at the destinations they serve, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni described this investment as “a groundbreaking step for Greek tourism”, emphasizing that its successful implementation required close cooperation between municipalities and the public sector.

Focusing on easier access to the islands

Dimitris Kossyfas, CCO of hoper, presenting the company’s servises. Photo © Greek Travel Pages

Dimitris Kossyfas, hoper’s Chief Commercial Officer, presented data indicating that transportation to and from the Greek islands remains complex and time-consuming, despite promises of luxurious accommodations.

Hoper aims to provide a seamless travel experience that combines comfort and excitement, focusing on three key priorities:

– Reducing travel time
– Enhancing island accessibility
– Elevating the overall travel experience

To actively support these goals, the company’s executives are forging new partnerships with municipalities, accommodation providers, and travel agents. This effort aims to improve infrastructure, increase tourist flows, and promote each destination.

“This initiative enhances both transport efficiency and the tourist appeal of our country,” stated Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christina Alexopoulou, during her address.

She underscored the unique geographical features of Greece, the growing demand for specialized transport, and the ongoing necessity to optimize vacation time as driving forces behind such projects.

Hoper holds certification as an airworthy aircraft operator from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), adhering to stringent standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).