From Split to Korčula in only 20 minutes!
European Coastal Airlines hydroplanes are officially connecting Split and island Korčula (Vela Luka) as of Friday, October 2nd, 2015. Even though the port was operational for the last few days, it was officially opened today with a small ceremony for officials and members of the press.
Short and comfortable 15 minute flight is all it takes now to get from Split to this beautiful and somewhat remote Croatian island so there is no doubt this new service will greatly contribute to both tourism and economy of the island. Even though representatives of European Coastal Airlines are more than happy to have yet another destination on their official itinerary, owner and managing director Klaus Dieter Martin hoped that all the licenses and permissions would be obtained earlier and not now that the tourist season is over.
- True, we were hoping things would go a lot faster but even this is a great step forward. Aftr Split and Lastovo, Korčula also got its sea airport. Yes, tourist season is now behind us, but our flights are equally important for locals.Now they can be in Split in only 20 minutes and with our careful planned timetable, they will be able to go to Split and return to Korčula the very same day. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this new route possible, especially Mr Branko Bačić - Klaus Dieter Martin stated.
Vela Luka Port authority director Boris Žuvela was also present at the opening ceremony: " We invested a lot of time and effort in satisfying all the parties involved, we obtained all the necessary papers, permits and documents, completed construction works...Fishermen had their concerns regarding the unloading of fish but now that the service is operational, they're happy with how things turned out. This is a historic event for our island and Vela Luka - Žuvela commented.
Locals are also happy with the new hydroplane connection to the mainland: "Even though we are administratively connected to the Dubrovnik Neretva County, this connection to Split is a lot more important to us. The more ways to get to Split, the better! - one of the locals commented.
This is not the nd of the road for European Coastal Airlines in terms of their expansion. By the end of the year they are planning on opening a sea airport on Mali Lošinj and RIjeka, Dubrovnik is still in their plans while the are doing their very best to start their first international connection this winter Split - Ancona.
Here is the photogallery, photos by Maksim Bašić
