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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.<\/p>\n
Dimitris Kossyfas, HOPER\u2019s chief commercial officer, said demand for twin-engine helicopters has increased among the company\u2019s luxury hospitality partners, including Scott Dunn, Aman, Mandarin Oriental and Original Senses.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore clients are learning to value the speed and convenience of helicopter transfers between islands compared with long and sometimes choppy boat crossings,\u201d Kossyfas said.<\/p>\n
He said the new aircraft would give HOPER greater availability and consistency while improving the customer experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cBringing the Airbus AS355 and H135 into the HOPER fleet is a natural evolution of our business,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Airbus helicopters target luxury market<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n HOPER selected the two Airbus models because they meet different requirements within the premium travel market.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The two helicopters are leased and will join HOPER\u2019s existing fleet and its broader network of vetted helicopter operators, which includes Robinson, Bell, Airbus and Leonardo aircraft.<\/p>\n Santorini-Mykonos route proves popular<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The growth in helicopter travel reflects increasing demand from travellers who want to reduce transit times between Greece\u2019s islands.<\/p>\n HOPER\u2019s most popular route connects Santorini and Mykonos, a distance of approximately 118 kilometres.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Kossyfas said the time savings have become particularly attractive to luxury travellers seeking to maximise their time at their destinations.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Digital bookings reshape helicopter travel<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The company says its platform allows travellers to search, compare and book helicopter flights through a single service.<\/p>\n Almost half of HOPER\u2019s bookings now take place online, according to the company.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHistorically, helicopter charter has been a complex, offline process that required significant coordination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe built HOPER to bring simplicity, transparency and accessibility to the category, allowing travellers to search, compare and book helicopter flights through one platform.\u201d<\/p>\n The company expects demand for private charters to remain strong as luxury travellers increasingly prioritise convenience, personalised experiences and time savings.<\/p>\n With its expanded fleet and network of partner operators, HOPER is now preparing for what it expects could be an even busier summer 2027.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n