Greek helicopter operator HOPER has expanded its fleet with two Airbus twin-engine helicopters as demand for private charters and island transfers continues to grow.
The Athens-based company acquired an Airbus AS355 Ecureuil 2 and an Airbus H135 in June, adding to its seven-helicopter fleet and strengthening its ability to serve the growing luxury charter market across Greece.
Dimitris Kossyfas, HOPER’s chief commercial officer, said demand for twin-engine helicopters has increased among the company’s luxury hospitality partners, including Scott Dunn, Aman, Mandarin Oriental and Original Senses.
“More clients are learning to value the speed and convenience of helicopter transfers between islands compared with long and sometimes choppy boat crossings,” Kossyfas said.
He said the new aircraft would give HOPER greater availability and consistency while improving the customer experience.
“Bringing the Airbus AS355 and H135 into the HOPER fleet is a natural evolution of our business,” he said.
The company expects the two aircraft to support a wider range of private charter services, including transfers to and from private yachts, VIP movements and customised itineraries across Greece.
Airbus helicopters target luxury market
HOPER selected the two Airbus models because they meet different requirements within the premium travel market.
The AS355 Ecureuil 2 accommodates five passengers and offers a combination of comfort, range and reliability. Its cabin space, large windows and smooth flight characteristics make it particularly suitable for luxury transfers across the Aegean, according to Kossyfas.
The H135 can carry six passengers and features anti-vibration technology and a club-style cabin configuration. HOPER says its relatively quiet cabin makes the aircraft suitable for families and groups travelling between multiple islands.
The two helicopters are leased and will join HOPER’s existing fleet and its broader network of vetted helicopter operators, which includes Robinson, Bell, Airbus and Leonardo aircraft.
Santorini-Mykonos route proves popular
The growth in helicopter travel reflects increasing demand from travellers who want to reduce transit times between Greece’s islands.
HOPER’s most popular route connects Santorini and Mykonos, a distance of approximately 118 kilometres.
A ferry journey between the islands can take more than three hours, while a HOPER helicopter flight takes less than 40 minutes, according to the company.
Kossyfas said the time savings have become particularly attractive to luxury travellers seeking to maximise their time at their destinations.
“In destinations like Greece, where many of the most desirable experiences are spread across different islands, helicopter travel provides a direct and seamless connection that can transform a full day of transit into a short, scenic journey,” he said.
Digital bookings reshape helicopter travel
Founded in 2024, HOPER operates private charters while also running a digital marketplace through which customers can book scheduled helicopter seats and private flights from partner operators.
The company says its platform allows travellers to search, compare and book helicopter flights through a single service.
Almost half of HOPER’s bookings now take place online, according to the company.
Kossyfas, who previously worked as ventures director at Antenna Group and head of sales at Google, said HOPER wants to make helicopter travel more accessible and easier to arrange.
“Historically, helicopter charter has been a complex, offline process that required significant coordination,” he said.
“We built HOPER to bring simplicity, transparency and accessibility to the category, allowing travellers to search, compare and book helicopter flights through one platform.”
The company expects demand for private charters to remain strong as luxury travellers increasingly prioritise convenience, personalised experiences and time savings.
With its expanded fleet and network of partner operators, HOPER is now preparing for what it expects could be an even busier summer 2027.
