HI Uplift: Greek operator hoper adds two Airbus helicopters

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by Mike Stones

7 September 2026

New under the sun: One of hoper's two new Airbus Helicopters.

Another sweltering summer draws to a close in Greece. A busy one for Athens-based helicopter company hoper. So busy, the business acquired two Airbus twin-engine helicopters in June. Dimitris Kossyfas, chief commercial officer at hoper explains why the private charter market in Greece is taking off, why the management team chose to acquire an Airbus AS355 and an H135. Plus how the company’s digital booking system is boosting business.

More clients are learning to value the speed and convenience of helicopter transfers between islands compared with long (and sometimes choppy) boat crossings, Kossyfas tells us. “We were already seeing strong demand for twin-engine helicopters from our luxury hospitality partners, including Scott Dunn, Aman, Mandarin Oriental and Original Senses,” he explains.

“Bringing the Airbus AS355 and H135 into the hoper fleet is a natural evolution of our business, allowing us to meet that demand with greater availability, consistency and a more seamless customer experience while investing in the fastest-growing segment of our offering: private charters.”

VIP movements

Island transfers are only part of hoper’s charter business. The new helicopters will enable hoper to accommodate a broader range of private charter requests across Greece spanning transport to and from private yachts, VIP movements and bespoke itineraries throughout the country.

But why choose the two Airbus models to add to the hoper fleet? “We selected the Airbus AS355 Ecureuil 2 and Airbus H135 because they align perfectly with the type of premium helicopter experience our customers are looking for,” Kossyfas tells us. “The Airbus AS355 Ecureuil 2 offers the ideal combination of comfort, range and reliability.”

‘Luxury transfers’

He also values seating for five passengers, cabin space, smooth flight characteristics and large unobstructed windows. “It is particularly well suited for luxury transfers where the journey itself is part of the experience, especially when flying over the Aegean.”

The Airbus H135 offers a different set of advantages, according to hoper. “With seating for six passengers, advanced anti-vibration technology, a club cabin configuration and one of the quietest cabins in its class, it is an excellent choice for families, groups and guests looking to visit multiple islands during their stay,” says Kossyfas.

In addition to taking charter orders for its own fleet, the business, which was founded in 2024, includes a digital booking platform that sells scheduled helicopter seats and private charters from its network of partners. “Our marketplace model allows us to provide access to a wide range of aircraft and operators through one platform, giving travellers flexibility while maintaining the transparency and simplicity that define the hoper experience,” according to the company.

Network of vetted operators

The new Airbus helicopters – which are leased – will join the operator’s seven-helicopter fleet. And extend hoper’s broader network of vetted operators flying Robinson, Bell, Airbus and Leonardo aircraft.

Kossyfas notes a growing preference for twin-engine helicopters from the clients of the luxury hospitality brands, he mentioned earlier. “Their clients are accustomed to a certain level of service and convenience, and many specifically request twin-engine aircraft,” he says. “The growth in demand reflects a broader shift toward more personalised, efficient and experience-driven travel.”

Luxury travellers are increasingly looking for ways to maximise their time while travelling, notes hoper. “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,” says Kossyfas. Plus, travel to some islands can require multiple ferry crossings.

Most popular route

For example, hoper’s most popular route – connecting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades archipelago – is about 64nm (118km). Travelling by ferry can take more than three hours. But a hoper flight is said to take less than 40 minutes – with the added benefits of a more comfortable journey and better views, according to the operator.

Meanwhile, Kossyfas – former ventures director at media and entertainment organisation Antenna Group and head of sales at Google – has 10 years’ experience in travel-focused start-ups.

‘Search, compare and book’

He’s drawing on that experience to differentiate his company in a competitive market. “What makes hoper unique is that we are changing the way people think about helicopter travel,” Kossyfas tells us. “Historically, helicopter charter has been a complex, offline process that required significant coordination. We built hoper to bring simplicity, transparency and accessibility to the category, allowing travellers to search, compare and book helicopter flights through one platform.”

Nearly half its bookings now take place online. The introduction of its twin-engine fleet is another step in that evolution, according to the company. “Whether a guest is booking a private charter between luxury resorts or using our shared helicopter network to island-hop across Greece, our goal is the same: to help travellers reclaim their time and experience destinations in a more seamless way.” Kossyfas adds.

With the two Airbus helicopters established in hoper’s fleet – supplemented by its network of industry partners – summer 2027 could be even busier than this year.

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