Last year we celebrated the 50 years from first landing of an aircraft in Kythera. It was December 20, 2021 when the legendary Skyvan of Olympic Aviation, «Mykonos Island» «stepped» on the threshold of the then newly built small dirt runway. During these 50 years our island managed to acquire one of the most important infrastructures to date.
Last September, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary, one of the most important air sports events took place at our state airport. The Alexander Onassis Air Show 2021, an ambitious effort based on the collective effort of the Tsirigotes, by all accounts, exceeded all expectations and became a reference point for the air events in Greece. Over one hundred aerialists were found in Kythera from all over the Greece and contributed to a successful four-day event that included addiction flights, free falls, paragliding, ballooning, ballooning, aeromodelling and other activities. Aero athletes, the local community and visitors to the island had experiences that are indelible in their memories.
The inspirer of this great event was the former airport manager Stavros Paizanos, who a few days ago left our island, now that he has completed his career in the Civil Aviation Authority and is retiring.
Mr. Stavros Paizanos was transferred to Kythera State Airport 5 years ago to assume the duties of Airport Manager and complete his professional career. In this short period of time he managed to change the image of the airport. Completed projects maintenance and upgrade, highlighted the potential of the airport organisation, transformed it into a a real gem. In the most important and historic moment, that of the 50 years of operation of our airport, he managed to to organize together with his partners one of the most important aerosports events in Greece.
One year later and while September leaves us, what's left is only the memory of this of great celebration. The thoughts to become institution this big aerospace event have rather kept in a drawer for the future. Kythera had the opportunity with this event to create a new a product of cultural, sporting and tourist interest, which would add points in the off-peak tourist season. And they could also enter the international air sports charter, which, with the help of the state, would gain a highly dynamic audience on a regular basis. It is very important that the infrastructure of Kythera State Airport is suitable for this, but it is also very important that Kythera can gain part of the private aviation (air tourism of small private boats) and link it to its tourism product.
Ο Stavros Paizanos paved the way, showed that we humans «we can fly» if we want to. He essentially inspired an island to believe in a vision and to succeed. And it is for us the dowry he left us, now that he is no longer on the island. The challenges are before us and no further analysis is needed. It is certain that if the decide, and that man will be near us. So let us consider whether it's worth flying. Aristophanes has told us since the 5th century BC that it will be nice... «There is nothing sweeter than the sweetest of all»!
Read in the link below the relevant publications of that time:
https://kythera.news/tag/alexander-onassis-air-show/
