On Thursday, February 27, the Spanish city of Benidorm will host Europe’s first demonstration of simultaneous flight between an air taxi and drones in a real urban setting. The event will take place at 11:45 AM at Poniente Beach, next to the Club Náutico.
The demonstration, part of the European U-ELCOME project, will simulate an emergency in a restricted area using an air traffic management system for drones (U-space). An air taxi—an unmanned aerial vehicle weighing 600 kg and capable of carrying passengers—will operate alongside 12 drones that will be visible in the European U-space system. These drones will simulate tasks related to rescue operations, surveillance, and delivery of goods.
U-ELCOME brings together 51 partners from three countries (Spain, France, and Italy) with the goal of integrating and validating the first U-space services in Spain.
The U-ELCOME project is key to advancing the safe integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones using U-space services. It aims to lay the foundation for a future with more connected and sustainable cities. This pioneering demonstration in Europe will not only showcase innovative technologies but also highlight the viability and opportunities of safe, efficient urban air mobility in Europe, say project partners.
Program
The project presentation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the flight demonstration of the air taxi and drones. Media will have the opportunity to take resource images of the air taxi and other drones from 11:45 AM.
Schedule:
- 11:45 AM: Media resource recording opportunity for the air taxi and other drones
- 12:00 PM: Welcome address by Israel Quintanilla (UPV)
- 12:05 PM: U-ELCOME project presentation by Patricia Hervías, EUROCONTROL
- 12:10 PM: U-space project development in Benidorm by Rodrigo Benedit, ENAIRE
- 12:15 PM: Open Day Benidorm by Israel Quintanilla (UPV)
- 12:20 PM: Signing of the collaboration agreement between Benidorm City Council and EHANG
- 12:25 PM: Closing speech and transition to the demonstration by Antonio Pérez, Mayor of Benidorm
- 12:30 PM: Start of the flight demonstration
This project has received funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), in collaboration with SESAR under grant agreement No. 101079171.
