Lorraine Williamson
In a groundbreaking advancement for urban air mobility, Benidorm has become the first European city to successfully conduct simultaneous test flights of an air taxi and multiple drones within an urban environment.
This pioneering event, coordinated by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) as part of the European U-ELCOME project, signifies a significant leap toward integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into daily city life.
Aerial demonstration details
On February 27, 2025, the skies above Benidorm’s Poniente and Levante beaches witnessed the EH216-S air taxi, developed by EHang, performing test flights alongside 12 drones. These drones executed various simulated operations, including cargo transport, delivery services, surveillance, and rescue missions. The entire demonstration was meticulously monitored and managed through advanced digital platforms within the European U-space framework, ensuring both flight safety and operational efficiency.
Strategic choice of Benidorm
Benidorm’s selection as the test site was strategic, owing to its distinctive urban landscape characterised by a high concentration of skyscrapers. This unique setting provided an ideal real-world environment to trial and validate the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems. Mayor Antonio Pérez highlighted the city’s commitment to technological innovation, noting that since 2016, Benidorm has integrated drones into its local police operations, making it the first city in Spain to do so. He stated, “By hosting the first flight test of an air taxi in Europe, Benidorm is once again a pioneer, marking a new milestone in drone navigation.”
Collaborative efforts and future prospects
The success of this demonstration was the result of extensive collaboration among various public and private entities, including EHang, EUROCONTROL, ENAIRE, the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), and local law enforcement agencies. Victoria Jing Xiang, COO of EHang Europe & LatAm, remarked, “The successful operation of our EH216-S aircraft in coordination with multiple drones under a U-Space system proves the feasibility of safe, efficient, and sustainable urban air mobility solutions.”
Looking ahead, several challenges remain before air taxis become a common sight in urban skies. These include developing specific regulatory frameworks, constructing necessary infrastructure such as vertiports, adapting urban planning to accommodate new modes of transport, and enhancing public acceptance of drone technology. The U-ELCOME project, set to conclude later this year, aims to address these challenges by laying the groundwork for more connected and sustainable cities through the safe integration of drones using U-space services.
Benidorm’s successful demonstration marks a pivotal step toward the future of urban air mobility, showcasing the potential of integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into everyday urban operations.
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