Scheduled helicopter flights, initially between Athens and 10 Aegean islands, Santorini, Mykonos, Antiparos, Ios, Kea, Patmos, Sifnos, Spetses, Tinos and Folegandros, the company hoper starts.

It is the first company to introduce a new option in air transport, offering fast, comfortable and safe travel to and from Aegean islands, especially those that do not have an airport.

The official presentation of the company took place today in the garden of the Megaros Musikis by the founding team led by the CEO of hoper and former CEO of MarineTraffic, Dimitris Memo, the CEO of Plaisio, Costas Gerardos, the Partner of Saronic Ferries, George Papaioannidis and BORRN , with CEO Matilda Nathan, where they presented the innovation and benefits that this new company brings to the transport and tourism sector.

The Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, in her greeting through a recorded message, underlined the importance of this innovation for the country and the necessity of cooperation between the private and public sectors.

For her part, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christina Alexopoulou, emphasized the importance of the innovation of the hoper for the transport and tourism sector of the country and stated that it opens up new possibilities, offering speed and flexibility to the movement of citizens and tourists. The government supports such initiatives that enhance competitiveness and improve infrastructure.

The general secretary of Transport, Ioannis Xifaras, pointed out the positive effect of Hoper on Greek tourism and the need for stricter rules on movement. He underlined that this service will be licensed soon and that such innovative applications will be supported by the government to strengthen the islands and tourism.

Finally, for his part, the general secretary of the Aegean and Islands Policy, Manolis Koutoulakis, underlined that the hoper will improve the experience of tourists and strengthen the image of Greece as a leading tourist destination. He pointed out that such innovations will help increase the visitation to lesser known but equally beautiful destinations and will be supported by the ministry to enhance the 12-month insularity.

The company and its prospects

hoper was created about 5 years ago, however, the well-known businessman, Kostas Gerardos, recently joined the scheme, expanding his footprint beyond the retail and frame industry, in which he holds the position of managing director. It is noted that the company’s share capital amounts to 3 million euros.
hoper is a company that operates daily scheduled helicopter flights to popular island destinations in Greece.

In particular, it provides helicopter charters for up to 4 people, currently serving Athens as well as 10 Greek Aegean islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Antiparos, Ios, Kea, Patmos, Sifnos, Spetses , Tinos and Folegandros.

hoper promises transportation to the selected destination with flight durations from 8 minutes (eg Tinos – Mykonos) to 48 minutes (eg Athens – Antiparos). Customers can book individual one-way or round-trip seats from flyhoper.com. The company introduces a new option in air transport, offering fast, comfortable and safe travel to and from Aegean islands, especially those that do not have an airport. Prices start from 156 euros each way, with an average price of 350 euros. hoper plans to add new destinations on both the island and the mainland starting in fall 2024. As part of its operations, hoper is working with local municipalities to upgrade existing helipads at the destinations it serves, thereby ensuring safety and passenger comfort.

The prospects for the company augur well, as Mr. Memos pointed out, if one takes into account the dynamics of tourism in our country and the increased demand recorded recently by private flights throughout Europe. He emphasized that Hoper aspires to change the way citizens and tourists travel between Greece’s popular destinations. “We want to share the experience of traveling by helicopter with many more people. With hoper, we turn hours into minutes, and travelers earn up to a full day of vacation. It is a new, unique travel experience that makes the beauties of Greece more accessible”, he pointed out.

For his part, Costas Gerardos stated that hoper was founded with the aim of offering a new dimension to air travel, making it faster, more flexible and more comfortable. The service will fill an important need, connecting popular destinations in a way that has not been possible before.” As he explained, a category of people has been created, who choose to travel by private flight, with a helicopter or a jet, instead of choosing a flight of the line, so this particular market has great growth prospects.

hoper, based in Athens, will operate daily throughout the year serving the needs of local communities. The flights will operate from its base in Koropi in Athens, as well as from Mykonos and Santorini to other islands.