The construction and operation of four vertiports in Greece, which will support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is planned in Aria hotels 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 its kind and is part of an investment of 50 million euros, to promote eVTOLs and strengthen the sustainable economy of Greece, the company pointed out in its announcement.
Aria Hotels, with approximately 70 accommodations throughout Greece, announced in 2022 that it will be one of the first hospitality companies worldwide and the first in Greece to manage the operation of eVTOL aircraft. Designed by BETA Technologies, Aria Hotels leases 10 all-electric ALIA eVTOL aircraft through an agreement with LCI, a Libra Group subsidiary and leading aircraft lessor.
The new vertiports will include charging stations for electric planes and waiting areas for visitors, which do not require a large area and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional ones. aircraft infrastructure.
The eVTOL aircraft is zero-carbon and designed to carry five passengers and a pilot, or up to 635kg of payload. With a maximum range of 250 nautical miles and the ability to recharge in less than an hour, it is ideal for transporting visitors from mainland Greece to its islands and everywhere in between.
According to the company, the eVTOL aircraft represents the future of air transport with several important advantages:
· Environmental sustainability: The eVTOL aircraft produces zero emissions during flight, reducing air pollution and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
· Reduction of noise pollution: Unlike traditional helicopters, eVTOL aircraft operate in complete silence, reducing noise pollution.
· Operational efficiency: eVTOLs offer faster travel times by bypassing traditional traffic congestion,
providing a faster alternative for short and medium distance travel.
· Economic impact: The development and operation of eVTOL infrastructure creates new jobs and boosts the economy of the aviation and tourism sectors.
· Supporting local communities: The increased accessibility and connectivity provided by eVTOLs has the potential to boost the local economy by bringing more visitors to small and remote communities, supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage.
Aria Hotels will manage the airport operations and manage 10 eVTOLs.
Statements
Mr. Makis Pantazatos, CEO of Aria Hotels, said: “Aria Hotels with this specific investment has the main objective of strengthening tourism in Greece, offering unique travel experiences through the connectivity that will be offered by EVTOLs , while creating new jobs. , while simultaneously promoting sustainable development, which is one of our core values ​​as a Libra Group company”.
He continued: “By planning this strategic infrastructure, we are proud to make a first-class and sector-specific investment that will allow Greece to benefit from new technologies combined with ecological sustainability. This investment also improves of Aria’s driving mission to attract more travelers to connect with the authentic culture, history and unparalleled and diverse 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 development, including through strategic investments that demonstrate the country’s unlimited potential.
” He continued: “Through the new Aria Hotels project, in collaboration with our aerospace subsidiary and the leading global aircraft lessor LCI, we will support sustainable tourism and economic development in Greece and the wider Eastern region Mediterranean in the hospitality sector, Aerospace, renewable energy sources and more”.