The events celebrating the occasion are expected to reach a spectacular climax in the coming days, Golden Jubilee of Kythira State Airport «Alexander Aristotelis Onassis.».
The particularly packed program will include an anniversary Fly-In and airplane races, organized by Hellenic Air Sports Federation (EL A O), demonstrations of rare aircraft models, and flights with paramotors.
In addition, the public will have the opportunity to participate in flights with paragliders (paragliding), flights with triangular mountain eagles and throws «free-fall» parachuting.
The highlight of it all—weather permitting, of course—is expected to be the hot-air balloon ride over the island, which will enchant everyone with its stunning colors, as it will also be used for nighttime flights, depending, of course, on the prevailing winds. In fact, the plan calls for the hot air balloon to be stationed at four different locations on the island, ensuring access to virtually all settlements.
The initially proposed areas are as follows:
- Its parking lot Kythira Island.
- His soccer field River.
- His basketball court Avlemona.
In our communication with the Airport Director, Mr. Stavros Paizanos, we were informed that a special permit for Chora has been issued by the Piraeus and Islands Antiquities Authority, a fact that guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience, given that the flight over the illuminated castle, with the brightly lit bay of Kapsali as a backdrop, is a dream come true for everyone.
The events are held under the auspices of the Municipality of Kythira and the mayor, Mr. Efstratios Charhalakis, personally.
Below is the Airport Director's first statement on the matter, and it is expected that, within the next few days, Press Release of Kythira State Airport «Alexander Aristoteles Onassis» for the anniversary Fly IN of Hellenic Air Sports Federation (EL A O).
«Good morning, everyone
The events celebrating the 50 YEARS of uninterrupted operation at our airport, of Kythira State Airport «Alexander Aristoteles Onassis». The following events will take place during the climax Unprecedented events at a Greek airport. The events will include anniversary Fly In and airplane races, who will be responsible for organizing the Hellenic Air Sports Federation (EL A O), coordinated by its capable and dynamic president Mr. Nikolaos Makrakis.
In addition, the following will take place demonstrations of rare aircraft models (even with jet engines, worth up to 25,000 €!), flights with paragliders (paragliding) and with audience participation, flights with triangular mountain eagles and with audience participation, flights with paramotor, throws «free-fall» parachutes» and with audience participation and the most impressive of all, we will have a colorful hot air balloon, with a dome diameter of 18 meters and a height of 27 meters!
The great thing is that, weather permitting, over the course of four days (September 16–19), many residents and visitors to the island will enjoy the magic of the views from above, especially in the early hours of the night, since the display—winds permitting—will last until 10 p.m., with a basket capacity of 4 passengers and the pilot. The balloon, whose color scheme was designed using a computer, will be fully illuminated during nighttime flights, as shown in the photos, and we plan to launch it—depending on weather conditions and prevailing winds—from four different locations, to reach as many of the island's settlements as possible and to be accessible to everyone. For this reason, the balloon support team will be on the island Starting Tuesday, September 14, to examine the best locations for it to function as an elevator.
The initially proposed areas that are suitable, due to the availability of open space, are:
- Its parking lot Kythira Island.
- His soccer field River.
- His basketball court Avlemona.
During this period of feverish preparation, just before the events begin, I would like to start by thanking Municipality of Kythira and Honorable Mayor of Kythira who placed the events under their auspices. The Committee for Domestic Property of Kythira & Antikythira and Honorable President, for her unwavering support. All of our sponsors and them communications sponsors, but especially those who are working hard these days to ensure the smooth arrival of the athletes, and it's worth noting that There are 112 people! But also those who work to ensure a comfortable and trouble-free stay for the athletes :
- The aircraft ground handling provider Skyserv for the free service on the territory of the flying sports enthusiasts ours and their airplanes.
- The shipping company SEAJETS, for the free shipping, those arriving by sea athletes and their vehicles, to and from the ports of Piraeus, of Gythio, of Kythira and of Kissamos.
- The shipping company TRITON FERRIES, for the free shipping, those arriving by sea athletes and their vehicles, to and from the ports of Naples and of Kythira.
- The Association of Accommodations of Kythira CeriGO, for the free accommodation for those athletes, by perfectly addressing the difficult problem of combining lodging with the area where they will be competing.
- The Drakakis Rent-a-Car, to facilitate transportation for air sports athletes who do not have a vehicle.
- The Panayotis Rent a Car & Motorent, to facilitate transportation for air sports athletes who do not have a vehicle.
It will follow in the coming days Press Release of Kythira State Airport «Alexander Aristoteles Onassis» for the anniversary Fly IN of Hellenic Air Sports Federation (EL A O).
Attached is the Detailed Schedule of Events. (I apologize for the poor resolution of the photos of the hot-air balloon.)»
M.F.X. & assessment
Stavros I. Paizanos
airport manager
Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority
National Airport of KYTHIRA
“Alexandros Ar. Onassis”
Tel: +30 2736033297
Fax: +30 2736038039
Mob: +30 6979169019, 6945124723
E:mail : kakth@hcaa.gr
