In the Greek islands, hopping by chopper is irrefutably the way to go. Santorini and Mykonos remain among the most popular, but traveling between the two via ferry can take over three hours. By helicopter, you’re talking less than 40 minutes according to Hoper, which launched in Greece in 2024, and began its US expansion in late 2025.
Where Hoper differs from its compatriot rivals (mainly Heli Air Greece and Ariston Aviation, both of which operate on a traditional private charter model) is that it offers transparent, instantly visible, per-seat (or entire helicopter) pricing via Apple or Google Play apps or mobile web, making chartering a ride as intuitive as hailing a taxi — no broker or phone call required. “It’s the ability to reclaim time, avoid friction, and turn what would typically be a complex journey into something effortless and enjoyable,” explains Demitris Memos, founder and CEO of Hoper.
Hoper operates a fleet of five Robinson helicopters across 50+ routes linking 15 Greek destinations, including Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Sifnos, Folegandros, Paros, Ios, Tinos, Patmos, and Samos. New routes to Naxos are slated for summer 2026. Complementing the core network, alliances with luxury travel brands extend the offering. “As the preferred helicopter partner for hotels such as Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, Canaves Collection, and Domes Resorts, Hoper works directly with concierge teams to book flights on behalf of guests,” explains Memos.
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For clients arriving into Athens via the commercial terminal rather than the private one, Hoper also provides a VIP fast-track service through the airport. With tour operators such as Scott Dunn, the collaboration is more itinerary-driven. Memos notes that Hoper is “integrated as a transport layer within curated, multi-stop journeys” from the outset, enabling travel designers to combine mainland and island destinations more fluidly, or to unlock harder-to-reach locations that would otherwise require complex travel logistics.
Beyond Greece, Hoper is extending its footprint in the USA with flights launching this September in the Big Apple around the US Open, connecting JFK, Manhattan, and the Hamptons. But Hoper will face stiff competition from incumbent helicopter charter brands already serving these lucrative metropolitan routes, notably Blade and Luxaviation One.
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Blade aggregates third-party helicopters, combining scheduled seats with charter flexibility, primarily focused on urban transfers like airport routes and leisure corridors in the US. Luxaviation One, meanwhile, offers fully bespoke private charters with no seat sharing, where every journey is tailored via concierge-style service. Booking reflects these differences: Hoper and Blade emphasize seamless digital self-service via apps, while Luxaviation relies on personalized consultation.
Hoper’s European operations are expanding too, with new Italian routes linking the French Riviera to Milan, Florence, and Portofino. “Our ambition is to build a globally connected network of short-haul aerial routes that behave more like micro-airlines — structured, bookable, and predictable — rather than one-off charter experiences,” says Memos.
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Looking ahead, Hoper’s future plans include the much-anticipated electric vertical takeoff/landing aircraft (aka eVTOLs or flying taxis). “What we’re building today is effectively preparing for eVTOL adoption,” Memos says. Yet for now, the company’s focus remains grounded in delivering a service that is as efficient as it is elegant: “We’re not just selling a helicopter seat — we’re upgrading the entire journey.”
