Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will ferry passengers to the Greek islands as part of a €50 million “pioneering project” outlined by Aria Hotels.
The Libra Group brand is spearheading the development of four ‘vertiports’, with completion expected by late 2026.
Aria Hotels has secured leases on 10 all-electric eVTOLs with a maximum range of 250 nautical miles and the capability to recharge in under an hour.
The net carbon-zero aircraft, each capable of carrying a pilot and five passengers, are seen by the company as “perfect for ferrying tourists between Greece’s mainland and its islands”.
The vertiports will be strategically positioned in Athens, the southern mainland, and the Aegean islands to enhance regional connectivity and promote sustainable tourism, according to the hospitality brand with 70 hotels across Greece.
They will feature electric charging stations and customer relaxation areas, “requiring significantly less space and causing minimal environmental impact” compared to traditional aircraft infrastructure.
Aria believes that by circumventing traditional traffic congestion, eVTOLs provide faster travel times for short to medium-distance journeys while mitigating air pollution and contributing to global climate change initiatives.
Aria Hotels will oversee the vertiport operations and manage the fleet of 10 eVTOLs, offering efficient and eco-friendly travel options for both tourists and residents.
Chief executive Makis Pantazatos said: “Enhancing connectivity and offering unique travel experiences will attract more visitors; Aria is proud to boost tourism and create jobs across Greece while promoting sustainability – our ethos as a Libra Group company.
“With the construction of this vital infrastructure, we are proud to make the first-of-its-kind investments to allow Greece to benefit from new technologies supporting ecotourism.”
Libra Group chief executive Manos Kouligkas added: “Through the innovative work of Aria Hotels, in partnership with our aerospace subsidiary and leading global aviation lessor, LCI, we will support sustainable tourism and the economic growth of Greece and the greater eastern Mediterranean region in hospitality, aerospace, renewable energy and beyond.
“Libra Group has long had a presence in Greece, and we are committed to supporting its long-term growth, including through strategic investments that reflect the country’s unlimited potential.”