- Interview with Kostis Chalkiadakis
His assessment that “Greece can become the global center of seaplanes” is expressed in an interview with Tornos News by Nikolas Charalambous, President, CEO and founder of the company Hellenic Seaplanes. Of course, Mr. Charalambous does not fail to mention the daily “power game” with the deep state that even today, just before the start of commercial flights, the company gives.
With optimism but also realism, he speaks to Tornos News about a vision that has lasted for over twelve years to make Greece the natural home of seaplanes, a center of international radiation on the global air transport map, as he notes. “Greece has all the conditions to become the center of seaplanes around the world. In 2026 we will definitely start our flights,” he emphasizes, clarifying that the effort, although multi-year, is now in the final stage of licensing for commercial exploitation.
Twelve years of struggle with “complications”
The legal framework for waterways was introduced in Parliament in 2013. Since then, as he explains, the great effort to create a comprehensive network began.
“We were enthusiastic, but we did not read the “small print” of the law that essentially mined our path,” he says. Today, after 12 years, Hellenic Seaplanes has managed to obtain licenses for just 5 waterways and 35 water fields – a total of 38 destinations. Applications have been submitted for more than 250, however, as Mr. Charalambous says, “many times we get stuck on ridiculous excuses, such as that the area does not have radio coverage or that there are many boats. Even major tourist destinations, such as Milos, Paros and Santorini, are at risk of being excluded due to unfounded objections to navigation”. Everyday life is reminiscent of a “power game”, as he characterizes it: “It is not all easy, we go through complications, with negative suggestions and new obstacles constantly appearing”.
Starting with the Ionian Sea and the goal of development throughout Greece
Despite the difficulties, the plan is clear: the first flights will start in the Ionian Sea, where weather conditions are more favorable, and will then be expanded to the Aegean, the Peloponnese and Crete. “Sitia and Chania are already licensed, while Rethymno and Ierapetra follow. The goal is to connect Crete with the Aegean and mainland Greece,” he notes.
In any case, the Ionian islands and the Peloponnese will be the first ideal places for tourist tours for every prospective customer. Tickets will range from 75-80 euros, so that they are affordable for everyone. At the same time, the booking platform is ready, while collaborations with travel agencies, hotels and cruises have begun, reminds Mr. Charalambous.
The development of the network can bring the country approximately 1 billion euros
Special mention is made of the economic footprint in the Greek economy, since as it is emphasized, the seaplane project is not only an innovation in transportation, but also a significant economic prospect. “The development of the network could bring the country around 1 billion euros.
There is already investment interest from Canada, Scandinavia and the largest seaplane company in the Maldives,” reveals Mr. Charalambous. Beyond the economic dimension, seaplanes will create new jobs and boost tourism, with sightseeing flights, cruise connections and the possibility of faster travel between islands and mainland destinations.
Greece is the natural home for seaplanes
In any case and despite the adversities, Nikos Charalambous remains optimistic: “In third countries, such as the Maldives, seaplanes operate safely and consistently. Greece is their natural home. If we overcome the bureaucratic obstacles, we can send the message that our country can become the global center for seaplanes.”
