After almost half a century, hydroplanes are returning to Athens and its southern suburb of Alimos is set to become a hub for the fixed-wing aircraft.
The Hellenic Navy General Staff along with the competent authorities for the maritime zone of Alimos, situated on the coastal area of the Athens Riviera, have issued the necessary license for the operation of the hydroplane strip.
Under the project, Alimos will be linked by air with a number of islands in the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Northern Aegean, as well as with coastal destinations in the Peloponnese, while offering Athenians and visitors alike an alternative and attractive means of transportation.
The news has been confirmed by Hellenic Seaplanes, Greece’s largest seaplane company, which has undertaken the project of Alimos. Hellenic Seaplanes already has several water airfields across the country and is now planning to include Athens in its network.
“Today is a day that a dream has come true,” said Nicolas Charalambous, President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes on the day of the announcement. “With the return of seaplanes at the Athens Riviera, the connection between Athens and the sea is restored. Alimos and the entire [region of] Attica are being upgraded and it paves the way for a new era in transportation, which will assist locals and will bring tourists closer to the Greek hospitality.”
According to the company, the project will lead to the creation of hundreds of new jobs while supporting the local economy.
First hydroplane test flights conducted in Greece
Hellenic Seaplanes carried out the first test flights in the summer of 2024.
The test flight program centered on familiarizing routes around the Sporades archipelago, with Hellenic Seaplanes preparing its flight paths and making efforts to establish waterports in various areas across the southern Aegean.
The flights, the company claims, give local authorities and the wider world the opportunity to experience the possibilities and advantages of seaplanes. Beginning at the Hellenic Seaplanes base at Megara Airport, the first leg of the test flight journey to the islands was carried out over the Sporades, in particular Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros.
These first flights were attended by the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Marios Themistocleous, the state television crew and the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous.
The content of the training was related to the familiarization of the crews and the operational staff of Hellenic Seaplanes with the Greek seas, carrying out a series of landings in the sea and airspace.
The company has been gathering permission to build waterports all across Greece and aims to modernize travel in the process.
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