Greece's Hellenic Seaplanes (Athens) and Denmark's Nordic Seaplanes (Aarhus SPB) have announced a strategic alliance aimed at shaping the future of the seaplane sector in Europe. Through the partnership, the two airlines say they will aim to enhance regulatory support, improve operational efficiency, and drive technological advancements for seaplane operations across the continent.

In a joint statement following a meeting in Aarhus, the companies said that together they hope to set new industry standards and expand seaplane operations across Europe. Key aspects of the collaboration include:

  • Enhanced regulatory advocacy: Joint efforts to push for better regulations from the European Union and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA);
  • Operational synergies: Sharing best practices, safety protocols, and infrastructure to optimise efficiency;
  • Research and development: Collaborative projects to advance safety, technology, and sustainability in seaplane operations;
  • Training and pilot exchange: Developing a comprehensive pilot training programme and pilot exchange initiative;
  • Joint marketing: Coordinated efforts to promote seaplane travel.

"By joining forces with Nordic Seaplanes, we are committed to addressing the regulatory challenges and harnessing new opportunities for growth and innovation. Together, we will lead the way in making seaplane travel more efficient, sustainable, and widely recognised," commented Hellenic Seaplanes CEO Nicolas Charalambous.

Nordic Seaplanes chairman and CEO Ole Christiansen said the alliance would enable the airlines to leverage their combined expertise and resources to set a new benchmark for seaplane operations.

Hellenic Seaplanes is preparing for its commercial launch in September by conducting test flights and evaluating pilots. The company will operate with a new Cessna (single turboprop) C208 amphibian purchased from Textron Aviation and will add two more of the type by March 2025. Initial routes will include the Ionian islands of Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, and Ioannina, Patras, and Diapontia. Future routes include the Sporades, Chios, Psara, Patmos, and a connection between Athens and Tinos.

Nordic Seaplanes currently operates its sole DHC-6-300 on a scheduled route between Aarhus SPB and Copenhagen Sea Airport, mostly serving business travellers making day trips between Denmark's two largest cities. With a recently acquired AOC in Malta for subsidiary Nordic Sky (Malta), the airline could expand to new countries and grow its Twin Otter fleet.