As part of a €50 million investment to bolster Greece’s ecotourism infrastructure, Libra Group’s Aria Hotels, the hospitality subsidiary Libra Group, is spearheading the development of four vertiports for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Completion is expected by late 2026.
The Greek-born hospitality arm of Libra Group, a privately owned business group whose subsidiaries have assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, Aria is set to build and manage four vertiports, facilitating eVTOL aircraft across Greece. Strategically positioned in Athens, the southern mainland, and the Aegean islands, these vertiports will significantly enhance regional connectivity and promote sustainable tourism. This pioneering project forms a key element of Aria Hotels’ €50 million investment to advance eVTOL adoption and drive Greece’s sustainable economic growth.
A boutique hospitality brand with approximately 70 properties across Greece, Aria Hotels is renowned for delivering authentic Greek experiences. In 2022, it became one of the world’s first hospitality companies, and the first in Greece, to lease innovative eVTOL aircraft directly. Through an agreement with LCI, an aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group and leading aircraft lessor, Aria Hotels has secured 10 all-electric ALIA eVTOLs developed by BETA Technologies.
The upcoming vertiports will feature electric charging stations and customer relaxation areas, requiring significantly less space and causing minimal environmental impact compared to traditional aircraft infrastructure. The net carbon-zero eVTOLs are designed to transport five passengers and a pilot or a 635 kg (1,400 lbs) payload. With a maximum range of 250 nautical miles and the capability to recharge in under an hour, these aircraft are perfect for ferrying tourists between Greece’s mainland and its islands.
The eVTOL aircraft symbolizes the future of urban air mobility, offering several key benefits:
- Environmental Sustainability: eVTOLs produce zero emissions during flight, mitigating air pollution and contributing to global climate change initiatives.
- Reduced Noise Pollution: Operating more quietly than traditional helicopters, eVTOLs help minimize noise pollution in both urban and rural areas.
- Operational Efficiency: By circumventing traditional traffic congestion, eVTOLs provide faster travel times for short to medium-distance journeys.
- Economic Impact: The development and operation of eVTOL infrastructure generate new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.
- Support for Local Communities: Enhanced accessibility and connectivity via eVTOLs can boost local economies by attracting more visitors to small and remote communities, supporting local businesses, and preserving cultural heritage.
Aria Hotels will oversee the vertiport operations and manage the fleet of 10 eVTOLs, offering efficient and eco-friendly travel options for both tourists and residents.
Makis Pantazatos, CEO of Aria Hotels, said, “Enhancing connectivity and offering unique travel experiences will attract more visitors; Aria is proud to boost tourism and create jobs across Greece while promoting sustainability – our ethos as a Libra Group company.” He continued, “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. This investment also furthers Aria’s driving mission to help more travelers experience authentic Greek culture, history, and unparalleled and diverse beauty.”
Manos Kouligkas, CEO of Libra Group, said, “Libra Group has long had a presence in Greece, and we are committed to supporting its long-term growth, including through strategic investments that reflect the country’s unlimited potential.” He continued, “Through the innovative work of Aria Hotels, in partnership with our aerospace subsidiary and leading global aviation lessor, LCI, we will support sustainable tourism and the economic growth of Greece and the Greater Eastern Mediterranean region in hospitality, aerospace, renewable energy, and beyond.”
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