Aria Hotels, a subsidiary of Libra Group, just announced plans to construct and operate four vertiports across Greece to facilitate the deployment of eVTOL aircraft. This initiative, part of a €50 million investment, aims to improve connectivity within the region and promote sustainable tourism.
The new vertiports will be strategically located in Athens, the southern mainland, and the Aegean islands, supporting the burgeoning urban air mobility sector.
Aria Hotels, recognized for its portfolio of about 70 boutique properties across Greece, will also manage 10 Alia eVTOL aircraft leased from Beta Technologies through an agreement with LCI, another Libra Group subsidiary. In 2022, LCI placed deposits for 125 of Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft, which it plans to add to its leasing portfolio.
Beta's eVTOL air taxis are designed to produce zero emissions and significantly less noise than traditional helicopters. They offer a maximum range of 250 nm and can fully recharge in less than an hour, making them ideally suited for efficient travel between the mainland and the islands.
The vertiports in Greece are planned to include electric charging stations and relaxation areas for passengers, requiring minimal space and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional aircraft infrastructure. This development is expected to enhance the accessibility of Greece’s numerous tourist destinations.
Makis Pantazatos, CEO of Aria Hotels, emphasized the project's alignment with the company's commitment to sustainability. “Enhancing connectivity and offering unique travel experiences will attract more visitors,” he said. “Aria is proud to boost tourism and create jobs across Greece while promoting sustainability.”
“With the construction of this vital infrastructure, we are proud to make the first-of-its-kind investments to allow Greece to benefit from new technologies supporting ecotourism,” Pantazatos added.
This infrastructure project aims not only to streamline travel but also to stimulate economic growth in the aviation and tourism sectors by creating new jobs and offering more efficient travel options for tourists and locals alike.