The “green light” has been given for the start of seaplane operations at the waterways of Corfu and Paxoi by the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, following the successful completion of inspection procedures by the relevant committee.

The operating body of the Corfu and Paxoi network is the Northern Ionian Waterways Company, in partnership with Hellenic Waterways and the Corfu Port Authority S.A.

Speaking to the Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA), the president of Hellenic Waterways, Tasos Govas, described his vision for the creation of a viable network in the wider region of western Greece, including the waterways of Patras, the Diapontia Islands (Othonoi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki), Ioannina, and the other Ionian islands.

“It is clear that these seaplanes will revitalize the local economies by promoting tourism while, at the same time, they will also improve the daily life of the inhabitants by meeting their transport needs,” he added.

According to Mr. Govas, in addition to western Greece, the goal of creating a network of waterways in the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete and the other islands, coastal and lakeside areas is already in progress.

“After many years, today are the first firm steps taken to create a network of waterways in our country. Corfu and Paxoi now have the infrastructure to accommodate seaplane flights and I hope that if there is investment interest, Greece will soon have a new flying means of transport that suits its geography and will catalytically contribute to tourism, the economy and national cohesion,” commented the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Michalis Papadopoulos

According to the competent ministry, establishment permits have also been issued at the Volos and Rethymnon waterways, where the construction of facilities such as a floating pier, mooring points and a passenger service building is pending.

At the same time, the compliance of the operation license of the waterway in Patras is underway, while the process of examining another 25 applications for the issuance of waterway permits is in progress, of which 20 concern the granting of establishment licenses and five establishment and operation licenses (Skyros, Alonissos, Skopelos, Patmos and Tinos).

This article was first published in Greek at moneyreview.gr.