Reviving Europe’s Seaplane Spirit: The Long-Awaited Rise of the European Seaplane Association
- Dragisa Raicevic
- Mar 24
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Once a dominant presence in the skies and waterways of the early 20th century, seaplanes in Europe are now making a bold return—unified under a common purpose through the formation of the European Seaplane Association (ESA). This resurgence is the culmination of decades-long efforts by passionate aviators, engineers, policymakers, and visionaries who believe in the unique role seaplanes can play in regional connectivity, sustainable mobility, and cultural heritage.
The Story Behind the European Seaplane Association
Introduction: The Return of the Water Legends
As the modern world shifts towards electric aviation and sustainable transportation, a form of flying that once epitomized elegance, functionality, and freedom is experiencing a revival: seaplane aviation. But why now?
More than a century after its golden age, European seaplane aviation remained sidelined and fragmented, with minimal institutional support. Recently, however, this sector has seen a revival—not fueled by nostalgia, but by concrete actions, institutional initiatives, and international gatherings. Central to this resurgence is the creation and formalization of the European Seaplane Association (ESA).
I. Early Attempts: An Idea Ahead of Its Time
Long before digital platforms and cross-border cooperation became the norm, the European seaplane community felt the need for something larger—a unified voice, a federation that would represent and connect seaplane pilots, clubs, and national associations across the continent. As early as August 1998, visionaries from Scandinavia and Central Europe gathered and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create what would be known as the Seaplane Association Federation of Europe (SAFE).
Their goal was clear: to create a functional federation within nine months. While administrative and logistical barriers delayed these plans, the passion and foresight remained.
Another pivotal moment came in August 2003, during the Hanse Sail Splash-In in Rostock, where the same group of enthusiasts formally established the European Federation of Seaplane Associations. Kjell Sandberg from Sweden was elected the first President of the Board. This step was followed by additional assemblies in Friedrichshafen (April 2005), symbolizing growing momentum.
Key member associations included:
🇸🇪 Svenska Sjöflygföreningen (Sweden) – President: Kjell Sandberg
🇳🇴 NSSA – Norwegian Ski & Seaplane Association – President: Morten Westereng
🇫🇮 FSSA – Finnish Sea & Skiplane Association – President: Matti Sorsa
🇩🇪 SPAG – Seaplane Pilot Association Germany – President: Hans-Ulrich Mahr
🇨🇭 SPAS – Seaplane Pilots Association Switzerland – President: Jvan Aeberli
🇦🇹 SPAA – Seaplane Pilots Association Austria – President: Gustav Z. Holdosi
🇫🇷 SPAF – Seaplane Pilots Association France
🇮🇹 Aero Club Como / SPAI – Seaplane Pilots Association Italy
🇪🇸 SPAE – Seaplane Pilots Association España – Miguel Morell Mañé
🇬🇷 HSA – Hellenic Seaplane Association – President: Kostas Rossidis
🇬🇧 UKSA – UK Seaplane Association
These associations formed the backbone of an early vision that, while ahead of its time, laid the groundwork for the eventual birth of the European Seaplane Association (ESA). Their efforts serve as a reminder that behind every successful movement lies a foundation built on persistence, shared purpose, and the dream of a better-connected Europe through the skies and waterways.
II. Port de Pollença 2021 – The First European Hydroaviation Congress
In September 2021, beneath the Mediterranean sun in the historic waters of Port de Pollença, Mallorca, the 1st European Hydroaviation Congress brought together a diverse and passionate community of seaplane aviators from across the continent. Delegations from 14 European countries—from Scandinavia to the Adriatic Sea and Montenegro, from the British Isles to the Iberian Peninsula—convened in what became the most representative and wide-reaching gathering of its kind in recent European history.
What made this congress even more meaningful was the timing. It was held in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a moment when many of us were yearning not just for professional reconnection, but for a return to nature, a sense of normalcy, and the rebirth of shared human adventure. In that spirit, the congress was not just a technical summit—it was an emotional reconnection, a celebration of resilience, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to aviation with purpose.
This gathering also followed the successful launch of the first International Seaplane Regatta MONTADRIA in Montenegro—the newest member of Europe’s hydroaviation family. Held in the breathtaking canyons, lakes, and coastal waters of this Adriatic Sea country, MONTADRIA sparked genuine curiosity and admiration across the European seaplane community. For the first time, East and West came together, sharing both airspace and vision, united by a common mission: to expand the hydroaviation family and ensure that no corner of the continent is left behind.
One of the standout moments of the congress was the arrival of pilots from the East showcasing the newly developed L-145 amphibious aircraft, a futuristic model whose presence served as a powerful metaphor: hydroaviation knows no borders when driven by innovation and community.
In addition to civil aviation professionals, the congress welcomed representatives of the Spanish military base in Port de Pollença, as well as members of the firefighting squadron flying the Canadair CL-415 and the Air Tractor Fire Boss. Their presence served as a reminder of the critical multirole capacity of seaplanes: not only for tourism or private transport, but also for firefighting, search and rescue, and ecological surveillance.
This was not merely a conference—it was a watershed moment, a declaration that the fragmented voices of European seaplane communities were ready to speak in unison. What had once been a field marginalized by outdated regulation and patchy infrastructure was now reasserting itself—not through nostalgia, but through action.
The congress featured:
Plenary sessions on legal harmonization and EU air & maritime integration
Technical workshops on amphibious operations in high-density maritime areas
Heritage talks on the legacy of Mallorcan seaplane pioneers
Strategic roundtables on infrastructure and future sustainability of hydroaviation
For the first time in decades, hydroaviation in Europe felt united—driven not by state mandates or commercial agendas, but by the sheer will of individuals determined to see seaplanes return to their rightful place in European skies and waterways. The family of seaplane aviators was growing again—and it was just the beginning.
And perhaps most importantly, informal bonding among operators, flight instructors, aircraft developers, public authorities, and enthusiasts. These connections would later evolve into working groups and alliances that helped set the groundwork for future assemblies in Luino and Helsinki.
The air was filled not only with the scent of sea breeze and avgas but with a feeling many had not experienced in years: momentum.
For the first time in decades, hydroaviation in Europe felt united—driven not by state mandates or commercial agendas, but by the sheer will of individuals determined to see seaplanes return to their rightful place in European skies and waterways.
III. International Seaplane Regatta MONTADRIA 2022 Tivat Montenegro: – A 112 Years Legacy Connects the Skies and Seas
Following the landmark Congress in Port de Pollença, the second-largest European seaplane gathering took place at the 2nd International Seaplane Regatta MONTADRIA 2022, hosted in Porto Montenegro, Tivat. This remarkable event united nearly all
European seaplane nations, with aircraft spanning from ultralight categories to giants such as the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and the rugged Kodiak 100. Full national delegations, aviation journalists, and seaplane operators converged in an environment that truly tested flying skills and reinforced the bonds of the community.
Held in Montenegro—often referred to as the cradle of European hydroaviation—this gathering carried deep historical significance. The same coastal waters and mountain lakes where seaplane pioneers once flew a century ago became the arena for a modern renaissance. It was here that many of the first hydroplanes from today’s ESA member countries took to the skies for the first time. MONTADRIA 2022 was not just a celebration of aeronautical engineering and pilot skill—it was a symbolic reconnection with our roots, a powerful expression of unity between East and West, and a reaffirmation of Montenegro’s role at the heart of Europe’s seaplane revival.
IV. Luino, Lago Maggiore 2024 – The Constitutive Assembly
On October 19, 2024, in the picturesque town of Luino, Italy, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore, a significant milestone was reached. Held aboard a boat sailing this historic lake, the Constitutive Assembly marked a turning point where the vision of a unified European seaplane community was transformed into a concrete operational network—a true pan-European seaplane platform.
This step forward was made possible thanks to the initiative of our Italian colleagues, particularly Bernardo Tomea and the leadership of Aero Club Como, with its esteemed President Enrico Guggiari and seaplane heritage steward Cesare Baj. Their dedication and long-standing commitment to hydroaviation were instrumental in shaping the momentum.
Hosted in the elegant setting of the municipal residence of Luino, with the support and coordination of Mr. Luca Sartorio, the event took place as part of the celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of tourism on Lake Maggiore. During these festivities, plans were also unveiled for a large-scale hotel and marina development, which notably includes seaplanes as a central and recognizable feature in the future of sustainable tourism and regional air mobility.
The spirit of innovation blended seamlessly with respect for tradition, and Lake Maggiore, once again, became a symbol of how hydroaviation can be beautifully integrated into modern tourism and transport ecosystems. This moment laid the cultural and strategic groundwork for a truly inclusive and visionary European Seaplane Association.
V. Helsinki 2025 – General Assembly and the Formation of ESA Committees
The General Assembly of the European Seaplane Association, held on March 21, 2025, in Helsinki, marked a defining moment in the formal establishment of the organization. At this event, Mr. Miguel Buades Socias from Spain—renowned for his tireless dedication to promoting aviation awareness through educational and cultural initiatives—was elected as the first President of the Association.
The gathering was graciously hosted by the Finnish Seaplane Association, led by Mr. Mikko Sinervä, whose leadership and professional background added remarkable depth to the proceedings. A certified instructor for both seaplane pilots and air traffic controllers, Mr. Sinervä played a significant role in the development of Finland’s hydroaviation framework. His close collaboration with Traficom, Finland’s national authority for transport and communications, helped create a rare balance between regulatory efficiency and operational freedom.
Finland’s aviation environment—widely recognized for its structured yet open approach—served as an ideal backdrop for setting ESA’s future direction. The Assembly used this opportunity to lay the foundations for key expert committees, drawing inspiration from Finland’s success in harmonizing safety, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The message was clear: smart regulation, shaped by those with real operational knowledge, is essential to unlock hydroaviation’s full potential across Europe.
Committees for Action: From Vision to Implementation
At the Helsinki General Assembly, ESA presented an action-oriented approach, forming eight expert committees, each with clear mandates:
Commercial Operations: Supporting operators across Europe
Safety & Environment: Promoting safe, eco-compatible seaplane operations
Seaplane Infrastructure: Identifying seaplane-friendly sites
Future Technology & Alternative Energy: Supporting electric and hybrid aviation
Legislation & Advocacy: Pushing for harmonized regulation and fair insurance frameworks
Training & Certification: Standardizing pilot training
History & Culture: Preserving heritage and promoting awareness
Promotion & Outreach: Growing public engagement
General Assembly of the European Seaplane Associationheld on March 21, 2025, in Helsinki, Finland
V. From Idea to Action: What ESA Is Doing Now
While many European countries still lack legislative frameworks recognizing the hybrid nature of seaplanes, ESA is taking the lead—not waiting, but proposing.
Key priorities:
Harmonizing regulations across Europe
Mapping operational water surfaces
Unifying training and certification standards
Sharing resources, data, and best practices
Advocating at EU, EASA, ICAO, and national levels
VI. Why ESA Matters Now
A central challenge for European seaplane development lies in regulatory fragmentation, limited infrastructure, and low public awareness—issues that have plagued past efforts such as AirSea Lines in Greece. As the FUSETRA (Future Seaplane Traffic) report under the EU FP7 program highlighted, Europe has enormous latent potential: vast coastlines, island chains, and inland waterways ripe for sustainable point-to-point travel.
ESA is now turning that potential into a shared, systematic effort—working toward mutual recognition of licenses, mapping and classifying water aerodromes, advocating for eco-conscious policy, and promoting the economic and touristic value of seaplanes.
The Power of Legacy: Honoring Europe's Rich Seaplane Heritage
This revival also celebrates Europe’s pioneering legacy—from Aero Club Como (Italy) and French Seaplane Associations, to visionary projects like SWAN EU IPA (Orazio Frigino) and ADRI Seaplanes (Mauro Calvano). Historical partners like Scandinavian Seaplane, Finnish and Swedish Associations, SPAS Switzerland, Ireland, Malta’s Robert's Cup, International Seaplane Regatta MONTADRIA reviving a rich 112 years seaplane aviation heritage of Montenegro and newer entrants like Hungary, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Serbia, all bring unique experiences to the table.
The shared ambition: a unified platform for training, innovation, sport, tourism, and policy alignment. One that can compete with other modes of transport while celebrating seaplane aviation as both a legacy and a future-facing solution.
Even as seaplane technology advances—from electric craft to hydrogen propulsion—legal frameworks in many countries remain fossilized. Countries in Europe cannot afford to lose momentum due to regulatory inertia.
VII. All for One – All for ESA
ESA is more than an association—it is a movement. With passionate members from France, Spain, Finland, Malta, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovenia, Serbia, and more, the European Seaplane Association brings together a diverse community united by a common mission: to revive, expand, and modernize hydroaviation across the continent. ESA has the potential to make Europe a global leader in seaplane mobility once again.
What's Next?
ESA will be present at AERO 2025 Friedrichshafen, presenting its roadmap and welcoming new members. A centralized booking platform, unified training standards, and cross-border certification recognition are underway.
Final Thoughts: From Enthusiasts to Architects
We are not just celebrating history—we are writing it. The European Seaplane Association is a testament to what happens when enthusiasts become architects, when passion becomes policy.
Let us seize this momentum, not with nostalgia, but with vision. The winds are shifting.
Let’s rise with them!
Author: Dragiša Raičević
MSc in Airborne Geophysics, FI SEA
President of the Organising Commitee of the International Seaplane Regatta MONTADRIA
VP of the European Seaplane Association
📧 d.raicevic@montadria.me | 📞 +382 69 901 680 | 🌐 www.montadria.me
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