Story ID: 
Hoper Launches Aegean Islands Helicopter Service
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The move signals that there is a market for regional mobility that helicopters can serve
Word Count: 181
Greek charter operator Hoper has launched scheduled helicopter services from Athens to the Aegean Islands using Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters. One-way or round-trip flights are available for summer travel to Athens, Antiparos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea (Tzea), Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, Sifnos, Spetses, and Tinos. The company upgraded existing helipads at these destinations.
One-way prices start at €160 to €350 ($171 to $375), depending on the destination, and the longest flight is 45 minutes. Hoper also offers custom charter flights in its five Robinson helicopters from its base at Koropi in Athens and plans to add other mainland destinations later this year.
“We focus on affordability and making helicopter travel more accessible to a wider range of passengers,” said chief commercial officer Dimitris Kossyfas. “Hoper allows passengers to book flights and individual seats without having to charter an entire helicopter.”
“Our vision is to make vertical mobility solutions a habit for people who value their time,” said CEO Demitris Memos. “With Hoper, we turn hours into minutes, and travelers earn up to a full day of vacation.”