
The time for the “take-off” of seaplanes is approaching. After eight years of efforts, delays and obstacles, the first test flights, expected in October, will open the summer season of 2022 for seaplanes. After the pandemic put a brake on tourism and transport, and if the health crisis does not brings a new deceleration, the restart next year can be done with the wings of seaplanes.
The time between the first demos and the commercial operation next season will lay the foundations for the creation of an extensive network of about 150 waterways in the country over a period of five years, which will be the largest network in Europe, contributing to the Greek economy with more than 1 billion euros.
The new voyage of seaplanes in Greece with commercial flights will start from the Ionian, where the first three licensed – so far – waterways of the country are located, in Corfu, Paxos and Patras. At the same time, by Spring the licensing for the operation of the waterways in the three Diapontia Islands (Ereikoussa, Othonoi, and Mathraki) is expected to be completed, the technical files of which have been checked and submitted. From the Ionian, as has been announced, flights by Grecian Air Seaplanes will initially start with 3 nineteen-seat amphibious seaplanes.
Reservation system
The rates at which the licensing procedures are evolving in the last period still put on the map for the tourist season of 2022, the routes Skopelos – Alonissos – Skyros, as well as Tinos – Patmos. In fact, if things run smoothly until the beginning of 2022, Hellenic Seaplanes, led by Mr. Nikolaos Charalambous, plans to activate the reservation system in March, for those who want to book their trip and experience the joy of seaplane flight. The company is going to operate initially with 2 + 2 seaplanes.
The willingness now shown by the State, but also the stable imprint of the investment interest, which, as Mr. Charalambous said, speaking to ot.gr, is clear and obvious, signal that we have now entered the final stretch for the first commercial seaplane flights.
The demos that will start in October are necessary for the testing of the network and the training of the operators, while at the same time they will contribute to the revival of the interest of the residents and visitors in view of the commercial start of the next summer season.
According to market estimates, the investments in the five years will exceed 300 million euros for the construction of seaports, the purchase or lease of seaplanes, but also the creation of a seaplane pilot training school. Of course, the development of an extensive network of waterways is the most critical factor in ensuring the viability of the project. It is noted that in order for an investment in seaplanes to be considered viable, there must be a network of 5-8 waterways and 4 1 / 2–5 flight hours per day.


Latest News

Evangelos Marinakis: Proud of Diaspora Greeks, ‘Who’re All Together, United’
Marinakis, an Honorary Grand Marshal of the 86th Greek Independence Parade on Sunday, was touched by his contacts in New York City with members of the Greek-American community, where he spoke fondly of the Diaspora: ‘Twice as Greek, Twice over as Olympiacos fans'

Stirring 86th Greek Independence Day Parade Down 5th Ave. Evangelos Marinakis an Honorary Grand Marshal
According to NYPD sources, the 2025 parade is expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory, with some 120 groups with 52 floats and 15 marching bands paraded from 64th to 79th streets along renowned Fifth Avenue

PM Mitsotakis Highlights Chevron’s Interest in Greek EEZ in Weekly Review
“The interest from Chevron is important because a leading American multinational chooses to invest in Greek maritime plots, thus practically recognizing Greece's EEZ in the area,” the prime minister said.

PM Mitsotakis Visits Israel for Talks on Defense, Energy, and Stability
According to sources, the meetings will cover bilateral collaboration as well as regional developments, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria.

Pyatt stresses major Greek role in regional energy map, importance of ongoing Greek-Turkish talks
The former US Assistant Secretary of State foe Energy Resources passionately underlines importance of NATO and America's Global Alliances for US security

Applications for Child Benefit Open Again
The electronic platform for submitting Child Benefit applications, A21, will re-open at 08:00 on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Ellinikon Redevelopment Advances: Key Projects on Track
Spanning 17,000 square meters, the shopping center has already leased out 75% of its space, with an average rental price of 85 euros per square meter.

Aid Arrives as Myanmar Struggles with Earthquake Aftermath
Aid is starting to arrive after the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake which struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and claiming over 1,000 lives.

Over 60% Greeks Own a First Home, 39% a 2nd Home: European Report
The responses from 20,000 European adults who participated in the “RE/MAX European Housing Trend Report 2024,” conducted by Opinium Research for RE/MAX Europe, highlight the evolving expectations for residential spaces

Europe’s Economic Outlook Brightens, But Caution Remains, Says Citigroup
Citi forecasts a slight increase in growth from 0.8% in 2024 to 1% this year, with further acceleration slightly above potential in 2026-27.