Hellenic Seaplanes: pioneering interconnection between Greece and Italy

Hellenic Seaplanes: pioneering interconnection between Greece and Italy with seaplanes

Hellenic Seaplanes is preparing new routes connecting Western Greece with the Italian Coast

Hellenic Seaplanes had the prospect of interconnecting municipalities of Greece and Italy with seaplanes and the development of tourist synergies as it attended the 1st International Scientific Conference “Greece, Greece, Italy, Italy – Common cultural antidotes and invitations in the new millennium”.

The conference was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Civil Protection, the management of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber, the leadership of Hellenic Seaplanes as well as the mayors of the three municipalities of Ilia (Andravida Kyllini, Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia) and the three coastal municipalities of Italy (Crotone, Squillace and Cira Marino). The Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Athens played a special role in the discussion, which mediated the creation of a common point of contact between Hellenic Seaplanes and the municipalities.

The content of the Greek-Italian debate

In the framework of the conference, a meeting was held to discuss the contribution of seaplanes in enhancing fast transport from/to Western Greece and Italy, as well as the possibility of creating joint tourist packages that include seaplanes as a means of transport and recreation through aerial sightseeing tours.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Mr. Nikolakopoulos, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, the Director of Development of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Mr. Nikolay Pontogiannis, the Director of Hellenic Seaplanes, the Mayor of Andravida-Kyllini Mr. Lentzas Ioannis, the Mayor of Pyrgos Mr. Kanni Efstathios, the Mayor of Ancient Olympia Mr. Aris Panagiotopoulos, the President of the Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Tsamichas Ioannis, the Secretary General of the Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Vamvakaris Panagiotis, the Mayor of Crotona Vincenzo Voce, the Mayor of Ciro’ Marina, Andrea Aprigliano (Vice Mayor of Economic Affairs) and the Mayor of Squilace, Vincenzo Zofrea.

During the meeting, the contribution of seaplanes in enhancing fast transport to/from Western Greece and Italy was examined, as well as the possibility of creating joint tourism packages that will include seaplanes as a means of transport and recreation through aerial sightseeing tours.

Particular emphasis was placed on the Kyllini seaplane port under construction, which will be the first infrastructure to host seaplanes in the prefecture of Ilia. Work on upgrading the facilities is progressing rapidly and the procedures for final licensing will soon be completed.

Deputy Minister of State for Civil Protection, Mr. Nikolakopoulos said after the meeting: “The initiative launched today at this conference to connect Western Greece with Italy via seaplanes is a project that not only promotes regional development, but also strengthens our international relations. As a citizen from Ilia, I am particularly happy to see our region playing a central role in this initiative.”

The floor was immediately taken by Mr.Lentzas Ioannis, Mayor of Andravida-Kyllini said: “The creation of the waterport in Kyllini is an important development for our region. Our cooperation with Hellenic Seaplanes and the connection with Italy opens new paths for our local economy and tourism. We look forward to seeing the seaplanes in operation, enhancing the accessibility and development of our region.”

Statements were also made by Italy’s visiting mayors :

Mr. Vincenzo Voce, Mayor of Crotona: “The interconnection of our coastal areas with Greece through seaplanes is an important step towards strengthening our cultural and tourist links. This initiative will bring our peoples closer together and promote the development of our local economies.”

Mr. Vincenzo Zofrea, Mayor of Squilace: “The creation of this new maritime route between Italy and Greece by seaplane will boost our tourism industry and strengthen our relations with Western Greece. We are excited about the prospects for our region.”

In a related report, Mr. Ioannis Tsamichas, President of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Athens said: “This initiative to connect the coastal areas of Greece and Italy through seaplanes is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relations. The Hellenic-Italian Chamber warmly supports this effort, as it highlights our common cultural and economic values, and promotes cooperation and development in terms of business and tourism. This connection will bring our two countries closer together and create new prospects for our local communities and economies.”

Hellenic Seaplanes’ Director of Ground Infrastructure Development Mr. Rondogiannis said: “The cooperation between Italy & Greece in the seaplane sector will strengthen the relations between the two countries and facilitate the communication between the island and coastal regions of Italy and Greece. It is an important step towards the sustainable development of tourism combined with seaplanes, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy faster and more comfortable travel. The completion of the facilities will open up new prospects for connecting the two countries, enhancing the flow of visitors and promoting sustainable mobility in the region.”

In closing, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Charalamboussaid: “The interconnection of Greece and Italy through seaplanes is an objective of strategic importance for us. This cooperation will not only enhance tourism development and transport sustainability, but will also create new opportunities for the local communities and economies of both countries. The Kyllini waterport will play a central role in this effort and we are excited about the progress being made.”

The conference dedicated to entrepreneurship

The 1st International Scientific Conference “Greece, Great Greece, Italy – Common cultural antagonisms and invitations in the new millennium”, is organized in the framework of the twinning between the Municipality of Crotone and the Municipality of Andravida Kyllini, the Municipality of Pyrgos Ilia and the Municipality of Squillatse and finally the Municipality of Ancient Olympia with the Municipality of Cira Marino, the Amphictyony “Epeon Earth”, which is composed of the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia, Pyrgos, Andravida-Kyllini, the Greek-Italian Chamber of Athens and the Holy Cross Monastery of Vlatades.