Benidorm has hosted a groundbreaking event today, marking the first simultaneous flight of an aerotaxi and multiple drones in a live urban setting. The demonstration, led by the Universitat Politècnica de València, featured an EH216-S aerotaxi designed by EHang, capable of transporting two passengers, along with twelve drones performing various tasks, such as cargo transport and surveillance. This event forms part of the European U-ELCOME project and highlights the city’s role in pioneering urban air mobility solutions.

The initiative was coordinated using U-space management systems to ensure safe operations of the aerial vehicles. This demonstration allows for the exploration of the potential benefits of drone applications in urban environments, paving the way for a future where aerotaxis and drones are commonplace. Israel Quintanilla, from the Universitat Politècnica de València, remarked on the importance of this flight in moving forward towards Urban Air Mobility, signalling advancements in regulation and technology.

Benidorm has been chosen as a leading city in Europe for implementing such innovative technologies, given its unique urban landscape, which offers an ideal setting for testing drone operations. The city has been advocating for the integration of drone technology, having already incorporated drones into local police operations since two thousand sixteen.

The U-ELCOME project, which concludes at the end of this year, is crucial for establishing secure drone integration and developing the U-space services needed for future urban air mobility. As the project progresses, stakeholders are focused on ensuring the safe management of air traffic for drones, highlighting the city’s commitment to technological innovation and future urban sustainability.