Seaplane Test Flights Connect Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros

Greek seaplane company Hellenic Seaplanes on Friday laid the groundwork for some of the Greek islands that will welcome seaplanes and carried out its first flights between three islands of the Sporades group in the northwest Aegean Sea.

The flights, which kicked off from the water airport base of Hellenic Seaplanes in the town of Megara, included a series of landings and disembarkations on the Sporades islands of Skopelos and Alonissos (Northern Sporades), and Skyros (the southernmost island of Sporades).

The test runs between the three islands aimed to familiarize Hellenic Seaplanes’ crews and operational staff with the Greek airs and seas.

Passengers on the first seaplane test flights in the Sporades included Greek Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous, a TV crew from state broadcaster ERT, and Hellenic Seaplanes CEO Nicolas Charalambous.

According to a company announcement, the test flights also provided an opportunity for future passengers and local authorities to learn about the possibilities and advantages of traveling by seaplane.

“The growth of the seaplane industry comes through a continuous and hard effort that we have made for over a decade to have everything organized from our side when we launch our commercial flights,” Charalambous said.

Hellenic Seaplanes CEO added that the company’s aim is to create satisfied passengers who will choose seaplanes for their fast and safe air transportation.

“Looking at the present, we are happy that the new destinations of the Aegean got to know the seaplanes up close and we hope that our official flights will soon start,” Charalambous said.

Hellenic Seaplanes’ network includes several water airports across Greece, including Volos, Patra, Tinos, Patmos, Skyros, Alonissos, Skopelos, Sifnos, Kalamata, and Kyllini​.