The first airline company in Greece to offer daily scheduled helicopter flights to its islands has officially launched, making it easier, faster and more convenient for travellers to explore holiday hotspots.
Based in Athens, Hoper’s fleet of five glass cockpit Robinson helicopters will operate a year-round service that can transport passengers from the capital to a range of Aegean islands in under 45 minutes.
The aviation business, which was founded by Greek entrepreneurs Dimitris Memos, Costas Gerardos and George Papaioannidis, also intends to offer chartered flights on a request basis for clients whose plans may deviate from the scheduled routes.
Hoper currently operates flights to Greek islands including Antiparos, Folegandros, Kea, Ios, Patmos, Tinos, Spetses, and Sifnos, as well the popular isles of Mykonos and Santorini.
The brand sells one-way fares ranging from €160 to €350 depending on the destination, and it also hopes to expand to the mainland later this year.
The flights take off from the helicopter’s base in Koropi, Athens, which is 15 minutes by private car or taxi from Athens International Airport, as well as from Mykonos and Santorini, to other islands.
“Our vision is to make vertical mobility solutions a habit for people who value their time,” said chief exectuive officer, Dimitris Memos.
“With Hoper, we turn hours into minutes, and travellers earn back up to a full day of their vacation time. It is a new, unique travel experience that makes the beauties of Greece more accessible.”
Hoper’s fleet consists of the lightweight Robinson R66 Turbine Marine, which features a Rolls Royce RR300 turbine engine, a 300lb capacity baggage compartment, and occupancy for up to one crew member and four passengers.
It will also operate the Robinson R44, which, powered by Lycoming’s IO-540 fuel-injected engine, is widely known for being the world’s bestselling civilian helicopter. It is slightly smaller than the R66, with a capacity to hold up to three passengers and one crew member.
