Application of Hydroplanes in Connecting Croatian Islands and the Coast

Sa jednom od najrazvedenijih obala u svijetu Republika Hrvatska ima veliki potencijal za razvoj otočkog turizma. Do prije dvije godine jedini oblik prijevoza na relaciji otok-kopno-otok bio je brod. Dolaskom stranih ulagača koji su u Republici Hrvatskoj prepoznali vodeću turističku zemlju u regiji uvedene su prve hidrozrakoplovne linije. Osim u pogledu obogaćivanja turističkih sadržaja, uvođenje hidrozrakoplova u redovni promet automatski podiže kvalitetu života na otoku, naročito u zimskim razdobljima kada je broj trajektnih linija manji, a uz pravilan odabir flote daje mogućnost organiziranja medicinske operative (Emergency Medical Service- EMS). Cilj ovog diplomskog rada je prikazati trenutno stanje hidrozrakoplovnog tržišta u Republici Hrvatskoj detaljnom analizom zasad jedinog hrvatskog hidrozrakoplovnog prijevoznika, tvrtke Europski obalni avioprijevoznik (European Coastal Airlines - ECA) te predložiti model ustroja koji bi se mogao primijeniti u budućnosti za što kvalitetnije povezivanje hrvatskih otoka i obale.With one of the most rugged coastlines in the world, Republic of Croatia has great potential for developing island tourism. Until two years ago, only way to reach islands was boat. With overflow of foreign investors, which have recognized Croatia as one of leading countries in region, first seaplane lines were established. Beside enrichment of touristic contents, introducing seaplanes in service, enhances life quality on islands especially in winter when the nuber of boatlines is reduced and with right selection of fleet, gives possibility for organizing emergency medical services. The goal of this final paper is to present real situation of hydroplanes services market in Republic of Croatia with detail analysis of, for now only seaplane carrier in country, European Coastal Airlines and to propose model od organization which could be applicable in future for better connections