Orama Nexus: Aiming to launch electric air taxis in Greece

Α group of companies active in the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors, constructions and investments has established a consortium with the aim of developing the required infrastructure for the entry and operation of eVTOL (Electric Propulsion, Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft in Greece by 2026.

What are eVTOL aircraft?

eVTOL are aircraft with electric propulsion systems, capable of vertical take-off and landing, without requiring a runway. They can carry up to 6 passengers with zero emissions, minimal noise levels, and a cost per kilometer completely comparable to that of a conventional taxi.

The aircraft are designed to operate in urban centers (until now inaccessible to traditional means of air transport), allowing seamless, efficient and high-speed passenger transport, in a sustainable, environmentally and economically optimal way.

The eVTOLs will be served by vertical take-off and landing stations, called Vertiports. Vertiport stations are designed to be located in urban centers, either in available open spaces, or on suitably configured building roofs. eVTOLs can also service regional destinations, on mainland and island territory.

Vertiport station sites

The Orama Nexus platform will start with the construction of Vertiport stations in central points and suburbs of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as in more than twenty regional urban centers and islands. While it will continue the development of its network, with the installation of more than a hundred small passenger boarding and disembarking stations (Vertistops), in areas throughout Greece. The ON platform aims to expand its network, so as to create an aerial connection through scheduled or on demand routes, with every corner of the Greek territory, eventually extending direct and affordable air transportation to every hotel unit and business in Greece, according to Mr. Alain Grangé, President of Orama Ventures LLC.

The ON platform will connect all the main international entry gates for visitors to the country, such as the Athens International Airport “El. Venizelos”, with the city center as well as with a number of popular destinations, often allowing tourists to go directly to their chosen destination.

Estimated range

Currently the operational range of eVTOLs is estimated at 150 miles (> 240 km), while the Vertiport & Vertistop stations are designed in such a way that the distance of the interconnected destinations, combined, far exceeds the aircraft’s range.

While the upcoming development of battery technology is expected to significantly increase the range of eVTOLs, the ON platform, through the network of stations it has designed, is going to positively affect the daily lives of residents, regardless of where they live.

500 million euro capital

Orama Nexus is expected to raise more than 500 million euros for the first part of the investment, while the total amount is expected to exceed 2 billion euros, for the first ten years of operation of the platform, including network development and the supply of the required aircraft.

Real estate acquisition

While consultations with various government agencies and potential partners from related sectors in Greece are set to continue throughout 2022, Orama Nexus intends to proceed with the acquisition of the required properties and the permitting procedures for the construction of the first Vertiport stations, in 2023.

The European Union is currently conducting an important legislative process together with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) to establish an air traffic legislative framework for the smooth integration of this new industry. It is expected that the legislative arrangements and the expected delivery schedules of the eVTOL manufacturers will allow Orama Nexus to start operating in Greece by 2026.