Surcar Airlines Moves Forward with Hydro-Aerodrome Project in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Surcar Airlines has reaffirmed its dedication to establishing a hydro-aerodrome in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, confirming that the ambitious project is progressing as planned. Representatives from the airline have indicated that a recent court ruling concerning administrative jurisdiction will not hinder the advancement or continuity of this innovative initiative.

Transforming Transport with Strategic Investments

The hydro-aerodrome initiative, championed by Surcar Airlines, is supported by substantial investments from both local Canary and international Danish sources. This groundbreaking project aims to introduce a transport model that has already proven successful in cities such as Vancouver, Copenhagen, Sydney, and the Maldives. If the project comes to fruition, Santa Cruz de Tenerife will become the first city in Spain to offer tourist flights via hydroplane, significantly enhancing its allure as a premier tourist destination.

Landing operations for the hydroplanes are planned to occur near the old jet foil station, utilizing a compact area of just 200 meters. The project’s promoters assert that this design minimizes any operational impact on the port, ensuring that local maritime activities remain unaffected while introducing a new mode of transportation.

Pioneering Technological and Environmental Innovations

Surcar Airlines places a strong emphasis on technology and environmental sustainability within the framework of the hydro-aerodrome project. The airline is collaborating with industry leaders Ampaire and ZeroAvia, who specialize in hybrid and electric aviation technology, to facilitate the gradual electrification of hydroplanes. The ambitious goal is for the Canary Islands to become the first European region to implement decarbonized commercial flights by 2028, in partnership with the PLOCAN research center, renowned for its advancements in green hydrogen technology.

The company believes that hydroplanes, characterized by their low emissions and suitability for short-distance travel, present a significant opportunity for sustainable aviation. They view this project as a strategic move to position the Canary Islands as a leader in sustainable mobility, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation Prospects

The introduction of hydroplane flights is expected to generate a wealth of highly skilled employment opportunities, particularly for pilots, technicians, and aerospace engineers from the region. Surcar Airlines anticipates that the project will stimulate economic activity related to maintenance, training, and technological innovation, thereby creating a new sector within the Canarian aerospace industry. This influx of job opportunities is expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting local businesses and contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

Broad Support from Local Stakeholders

Surcar Airlines has successfully garnered support from various local stakeholders, including the hotel association Ashotel and multiple transport operators. These groups view the hydroplane service as a complementary tourist activity rather than a competitor to existing inter-island routes. The collaborative nature of the project, developed through partnerships between Spanish and Danish entities, exemplifies the spirit of the European Single Market, fostering innovation and creating new economic opportunities for the region.

A Vision for Enhanced Connectivity and Tourism

The hydroplane initiative was conceived in 2022 with the goal of re-establishing connections between the capital islands. Surcar Airlines maintains that its vision remains unwavering: to provide a faster, more sustainable transport option that integrates seamlessly with urban environments. This initiative not only aims to enhance connectivity within the Canary Islands but also seeks to place the region on the global map of tourist innovation, attracting visitors from around the world.

Key points

• Surcar Airlines is advancing its hydro-aerodrome project in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• The initiative is backed by significant investments from both Canary and Danish sources.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife aspires to be the first Spanish city to offer tourist flights via hydroplane.
• Landing operations will take place near the old jet foil station, minimizing impact on port activities.
• The project emphasizes technological and environmental sustainability through partnerships with Ampaire and ZeroAvia.
• Job creation is anticipated in the aerospace sector, particularly for skilled professionals.
• The initiative has garnered support from local stakeholders, including the hotel association Ashotel.