Greek charter operator and training academy Superior Air has added three training aircraft and two helicopters this year: an EC120B and an EC130. Co-founder Konstantinos Sofianos is pleased with the latest developments: “We have moved from being a company that offers flights in the Greek region using helicopters and small pistons to a company that now flies all over Europe and the Middle East,” he explains. “Initially it seemed like a challenge, but with a good flight ops department and overall team, we have proved that we are up to the task.”

In addition to the fleet expansion this year, the operator has hired more pilots, built a new hangar and doubled its office space, all without requiring external investment. However, the region is not without its challenges: “During the summer, the weather is great but high winds prevail in the area. Extended flights over water are tricky, not to mention that some of the islands have steep terrain which creates turbulence.

“It will also come as a surprise to some that there are many mountains in the north that present tough conditions in the winter. When you fly here, you encounter everything.”

Superior Air currently has 16 aircraft in its fleet, which is said to be the largest of any Greek business aviation operator. From a training perspective, Sofianos says that Greece is a convenient country in which to train as a pilot, owing to its regular 350 days of sunshine.

Formed by Konstantinos and his father Elias 11 years ago, Superior Air employs 55 people and, aside from training and charter, engages in maintenance, aerial work, sales and consulting. It was one of the first companies to buy a Tecnam P2006T for multi-engine training. “This turned out to be a great choice,” says Sofianos. “In terms of helicopters we have one AS355, one A109, one Bell 407 and two EC120B, plus some smaller types. We will soon have an R66 on the AOC and probably the EC130 by the end of the year.

“We do have many aircraft types but this way we can offer customers the best option depending on what they require, and what price.”