The skies over the Poniete and Levante beaches of Benidorm hosted Europe’s first simultaneous flight of an air taxi, along with several drones in the real city environment. This achievement sets a new precedent for sustainable travel and was organized under the European U-ELCOME project, coordinated by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV).

Europe’s first Air Taxi to take off in Benidorm, Spain

A demonstration has been run in Spain of Europe’s first Air Taxi, organized under the European U-ELCOM project and coordinated by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). This large-scale demonstration saw the EH216-S air taxi from EHang soaring through the air surrounded by around one dozen drones. The latter were engaged in tasks such as cargo transport and deliveries to surveillance and rescue missions.

Meanwhile, according to Telefonica Tech, three U-space service providers – ENAIRE, ITG and UAB – monitored every move via advanced digital platforms, ensuring efficiency and safety under Europe’s emerging U-space framework.

A move towards Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

This demonstration takes the Air Taxi a major step forward in UAM, as the EH216-S took to the air in Benidorm. Moreover, this is one of the first European cities to embrace drone operations with local leaders, like Mayor Antonio Pérez, highlighting the city’s long-standing commitment to aerial innovation. Meanwhile, UPV and EHang’s representatives praised Benidorm’s willingness to support these groundbreaking trials.

Meanwhile, Israel Quintanilla, who leads UPV’s Official Drone Commission, says the success of the trial will fast-track regulations, public acceptance of air taxis and infrastructure within the next decade.

Moreover, with 51 partners across Spain, Italy and France, the U-ELCOME project is trialing similar demonstrations in other European cities to integrate drone traffic safety into urban airspace.

Clearing obstacles for launching air taxis in urban skies

While there has been impressive progress, experts say there is still work to be done before air taxis become a common sight in Europe’s cities. To ensure safety and privacy, new regulations have to be finalized. Moreover, physical infrastructure, including “vertiports,” need to be constructed and U-Space traffic management systems must be created to handle both unmanned and traditional aviation. Furthermore, local communities will need to get used to the concept of passenger drones flying above.

However, as seen in Benidorm, a collaboration between public bodies, private companies, and research institutions will unlock the full potential of drone technology. Meanwhile, as the U-ELCOME project is set to conclude by the year’s end, the successful trial shows how efficient and sustainable air travel will transform Europe’s urban skies.