Plans for the construction of canals for aircraft landing and takeoff have been bogged down in Greece for years but seem to have made some forward with the recent approval of legislation expediting the process.

According to Nicholas Charalampous, chairman and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, the aircraft would first link Athens to the islands of Tinos and Patmos, with more destinations to be announced at a later date.

Hellenic seaplanes are scheduled to commence flight in 2022. “Passengers will be able to check available dates and times for seaplane trips from Alimos to Patmos and Tinos via our reservations system in the first phase, with additional destinations added later,” Charalampous explained. “Passengers will also be able to express interest via a form for chartered air transport to the desired destination, choosing between renting an airplane, helicopter, or seaplane.”

Hellenic Seaplanes will charge up to 90 euros for a 45-minute flight. The firm is negotiating with airlines to develop a single ticket to enable customers arriving at Athens International Airport to continue their journey by seaplane to Alimos, noted Charalampous.

Alimos hotspot

The opening of seaplane flights from Alimos Marina, one of the biggest in the nation, is anticipated to add to the already robust demand for property along the southern Athens coast. There is no railway station in close proximity to the marina; however, the Athens tram serves the region, and Alimos is situated around 12 kilometers from the port of Piraeus.

After linking with Tinos and Patmos, Hellenic Seaplanes anticipates waterways will be permitted in Volos, the Sporades islands, Evia, and portions of the Peloponnese.

In May, Greece inked a 57.5 million euro concession deal with Aktor Concessions to utilize and develop the Alimos marina for 40 years.

The deal’s entire worth is estimated to be approximately 177 million euros, including an upfront charge, an annual concession fee, and a revenue-sharing arrangement that includes a portion of the marina’s yearly earnings.