Hellenic Seaplanes Secures 30 More Water Licences, Eyes Approval for Scheduled Flights

Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. is moving ahead with its investment plans in Greece after securing 30 additional water aerodrome licences, with company President and CEO Nikos Charalambous stressing that the critical next step is approval for scheduled passenger flights—a move that would unlock the development of a stable national seaplane route network.

Speaking to Tornos News, Charalambous confirmed that the company has already obtained a licence for charter operations, while consultations with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are ongoing regarding the permit for scheduled flights. A recent change in CAA leadership has reportedly slowed certain parts of the licensing process, though the company expects near-term progress.

If approved, scheduled services would allow the general public to use seaplanes as a regular mode of transport, rather than only as a premium charter option—an operational shift seen as a game-changer for the sector.

Charalambous also reiterated his view that Greece could emerge as an international hub for seaplanes, leveraging its geography and dense network of islands and coastal destinations. An integrated seaplane network, he said, could generate a strong economic footprint through regular routes, sightseeing flights, and partnerships with the tourism industry.

Itea Approved as New Gateway for Delphi Municipality

A key regional development is the approval of a water aerodrome in Itea, welcomed by the Municipality of Delphi as a new “gateway” that enhances accessibility and strengthens the local tourism offering.

According to Deputy Minister of Justice and Fokida MP Ioannis Bougas, Seaplane Greece S.A., in coordination with the Fokida Port Fund, is planning a test flight to Itea in the coming weeks, with the goal of incorporating the destination into the company’s route network from next summer season.

The Municipality of Delphi noted that the new water aerodrome will complement existing transport infrastructure, boosting passenger flows and improving connectivity with new markets.

Delphi Mayor Panagiotis Tagkalis welcomed the development, praising the cooperation between the Deputy Minister, the Fokida Port Fund President Sofia Anagnostakou, and the port committee, the Hellenic Navy General Staff, and Hydroplanes of Greece S.A., saying the collaboration delivered the expected outcome. He added that, as the municipality pursues outward-looking development, the Itea water aerodrome represents a meaningful addition to the region’s growth footprint with direct benefits for tourism.

Scheduled Flights: The “Key” to a Viable Network

Operationally, the coming period is seen as decisive for the transition from case-by-case licensing and charter flights to a framework of regular scheduled routes capable of supporting a commercially viable national seaplane network.

Charalambous told Tornos News that only through stable routes and operational continuity can the long-term sustainability of seaplane services be secured—and only then can seaplanes make a meaningful contribution to Greece’s tourism and transport ecosystem.

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