The Greek startup that is changing the way we travel by helicopter is now taking a leap that brings it to the forefront of the global market. Hoper is expanding its activity outside Greece and launching an international booking platform, connecting more than 30 destinations in Switzerland, France, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dimitris Kossyfas, speaking to Tornos News, notes that this development “came quite naturally” after the growth of the last two years in Greece.
Hoper has created a model that until recently seemed unthinkable in the Greek market. Mr. Kossyfas recalls that “we started by introducing a new model of scheduled flights and the possibility of purchasing a ticket per person”. In 2024, the company operated with two helicopters in a network of 10 destinations. This season, it found itself with a fleet that more than tripled and 15 destinations in Greece, while in combination with private flights, it served several thousand passengers.
With this foundation, international expansion was the next step. According to Mr. Kossyfas, “having developed expertise as an air carrier, the next step for our expansion to countries where helicopters are widely used came quite naturally”. The result is the first integrated global booking platform for helicopter flights. The helicopter market is fragmented, and Mr. Kossifas explains that “although there are many operators in each country, there is no single booking portal like in airplane flights, hotels or experiences.”
Hoper fills this gap. The new platform allows travelers to compare prices and aircraft, make instant reservations and payments, and have a unified experience whether traveling on a shared flight, a private charter, or a sightseeing flight. The company continues to work with certified operators in each country, ensuring consistently high standards of safety and quality.
There is significant differentiation in the global helicopter market. Mr. Kossifas says that “there are destinations dominated by private flights, such as France with the Alps and the C?te d’Azur, and destinations such as Los Angeles, Dubai and Cape Town where sightseeing flights dominate.” hoper chooses to expand into markets with a given demand, whether it is for commuting or sightseeing tours.
The company’s international development includes operations in five countries, further strengthening of the partner network, a unified booking experience for all flight types and over thirty destinations at launch. With this step, hoper is positioned among the most innovative European vertical mobility companies and proves that Greek ideas and Greek know-how can claim a role in a rapidly growing industry.
Today, the company offers flights per seat, private flights and tours in 6 countries and more than 100 destinations. Its model evolves a rapidly changing market and strengthens Greece’s position on the map of tourism innovation.
