The construction and operation of four vertiports in Greece, which will accommodate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is planned by Hotels in Aria the Greek subsidiary of the Libra group.
The plan is to place them in strategic points, such as Athens, southern mainland Greece and the Cyclades, to strengthen regional connectivity and promote ecotourism. This is the first construction of this type and is part of a 50 million euro investment aimed at promoting eVTOLs and strengthening the sustainable economy in Greece, the company highlights in its press release.
Aria Hotels, with approximately 70 accommodations throughout Greece, announced in 2022 that it will become one of the first hotel companies in the world and the first in Greece to manage the operation of eVTOL aircraft. Designed by BETA Technologies, Aria Hotels has leased 10 fully electric ALIA eVTOL aircraft in an agreement with LCI, a subsidiary of the Libra Group and leading aircraft lessor.
The new vertiports will include charging stations for electric aircraft and waiting areas for visitors, without requiring a large surface area and with a lower environmental impact compared to traditional aeronautical infrastructure.
The eVTOL aircraft are zero carbon and designed to carry five passengers and a pilot, or up to 635 kg of payload. With a maximum range of 250 nautical miles and the ability to recharge in less than an hour, they are ideal for transporting visitors from mainland Greece to its islands and anywhere in between.
According to the company, eVTOL aircraft represent the future of air travel with several key advantages:
· Environmental sustainability: eVTOL aircraft produce zero emissions during flight, reducing air pollution and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
· Reduced noise pollution: Unlike traditional helicopters, eVTOL aircraft operate completely silently, minimizing noise pollution.
· Operational efficiency: eVTOLs offer faster travel times by bypassing traditional traffic jams,
offering a faster alternative for short and medium distance travel.
· Economic impact: The development and operation of eVTOL infrastructure creates new jobs and stimulates the economy in the aviation and tourism sectors.
· Support local communities: The increased accessibility and connectivity provided by eVTOLs have the potential to boost local economies by attracting more visitors to small, remote communities, supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage.
Aria Hotels will oversee airport operations and manage the 10 eVTOLs.
Declarations
Mr. Makis Pantazatos, CEO of Aria Hotels, said: “Aria Hotels, with this specific investment, has as its main objective the strengthening of tourism in Greece, by offering unique travel experiences through the connectivity that will be offered by the EVTOL, while creating new workstations. , while promoting sustainable development, which is one of our core values as a Libra Group company.
” He continued: “In planning this strategic infrastructure, we are proud to make one-of-a-kind and specific investments to a sector that will enable Greece to benefit from innovative technologies combined with ecological sustainability. This investment also reinforces Aria’s driving mission to attract more travelers to connect with authentic culture, history. and the diverse and unparalleled beauty of Greece.
Mr. Manos Kouligas, CEO of Libra Group, said: “Libra Group has a long-standing presence in Greece and is committed to supporting its long-term growth, including through strategic investments that reflect the country’s unlimited potential. . He continued: “Through the innovative Aria Hotels project, together with our aerospace subsidiary and leading global aircraft lessor LCI, we will support sustainable tourism and economic development of Greece and the wider Greece region. Eastern Mediterranean in the hospitality sector. , aerospace, renewable energy sources and more”.