Ioannina, Greece – A new initiative by tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs, in collaboration with Hellenic Seaplanes, aims to re-establish seaplane services in Ioannina. While a definitive timeline remains elusive, the company has announced plans for initial flights connecting Ioannina with Corfu and Paxos.
Ioannina Airport to Serve as Initial Hub for Seaplane Operations
Despite ongoing efforts to license a seaplane base on Lake Pamvotida, the Municipality of Ioannina has yet to secure the necessary permits. Consequently, Hellenic Seaplanes will initially operate from Ioannina Airport. The exact start date for these services has not been confirmed, raising concerns among stakeholders due to past delays in similar projects.
A working meeting was held on Monday, March 30, with representatives from Hellenic Seaplanes to discuss the upcoming launch of commercial seaplane flights in Ioannina. Notably, the Municipality, the Region, and the Hotel Owners Association were absent from this crucial meeting, despite their significant roles in local tourism. However, two former presidents of the Hotel Owners Association were present.
Hellenic Seaplanes was represented by Polychronis Rontogiannis, Ground Operations Director, and Tina Karakatsani from the Aircraft Maintenance Department. They provided detailed information on the company’s next steps and the planned expansion of its network.
Expanding Connectivity Across the Ionian Islands
The initial phase of the plan will see Ioannina connected with the Ionian Islands of Corfu and Paxos. Hellenic Seaplanes anticipates expanding its connectivity map in the coming years, potentially including other destinations in the region.
Seaplanes offer a versatile mode of transport, capable of performing various types of flights, including:
- Scheduled flights
- Emergency passenger (charter) flights
- Sightseeing tours
- Cargo flights (pharmaceuticals, food, parcels, etc.)
- Medical transport
- Search and rescue operations
- Firefighting missions
This flexibility positions seaplanes as a highly adaptable and multi-purpose transportation solution for the region.
Stakeholder Support and Future Prospects
The reintroduction of seaplanes is viewed as a very positive development, particularly by Corfu. Periklis Katsaros, President of the Federation of Tourist Accommodations, stated, “I thank you very much for the honor you have given me to attend the initiative you are taking to activate the re-operation of seaplanes, which I see as very positive, and we, as a federation, await the immediate start of their flight programs.”
The meeting organizers also announced a new strategic initiative by Hellenic Seaplanes with NOEMI Aerospace to develop and integrate electric seaplanes into its fleet. This marks a significant step towards sustainable and innovative air transport in Greece.
Attendees of the Working Meeting
The meeting was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Georgia Leontiou (President of Ioannina Island)
- Stavros Manolis (President of the Association of Tourist Agencies and Buses of the Epirus Region)
- Giorgos Stergioulis (President of the Ioannina Sailing Club)
- Konstantinos Liolios (Secretary of the Environmental Nautical Club of Ioannina)
- Effie Exarchou (Former Vice President of the Hotel Owners Association of Ioannina)
- Stathis Sioutis (Former President of the Hotel Owners Association of Ioannina)
- Giouli Manoli (Representative of Pamvotis Travel)
- Dimitris Ntovas (President of the Tourist Shops of Ioannina Prefecture)
- Heracles Tzokas (Member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Car Rental Tourist Businesses of Greece)
- Thodoris Alexiou (President of the Epirus Gastronomy Club)
- Spyros Pantazis (Former Deputy Mayor – Architect Engineer)
- Eftychia Papatsirou (Flight Attendant, Digital Tourism Marketing)
- Vasso Mpindevi (Former executive of Air Sea Lines)
The re-establishment of seaplane services is expected to significantly boost tourism and connectivity in the wider Ionian region, offering new travel options for both residents and visitors.
Source: https://neoiagones.gr/%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%AC%CE%BD%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CE%BA%CE%AD%CF%81%CE%BA%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B1-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%BE%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CE%BC%CE%B5-%CF%85%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%80%CE%BB%CE%AC/
