The future of urban air mobility (UAM) in Europe took a significant leap forward with the successful flight of EHang’s EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Benidorm, Spain.
This historic demonstration marks the first urban flight of a fully autonomous eVTOL aircraft in Europe.
The flight was conducted as part of the European Union’s U-ELCOME (U-Space European Common Deployment) project, one of the flagship Digital Sky Demonstrators under the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. Coordinated by Eurocontrol, U-ELCOME brings together 51 partners from France, Italy, and Spain, aiming to advance the integration of urban air mobility within Europe’s airspace.
Patricia Hervias, Project Manager en EUROCONTROL, said, “Benidorm air taxi and drones’ simultaneous demonstration, highlighted the capability of U-space services, enhancing emergency response and operational efficiency in complex urban environments. Through close cooperation with EASA, AESA, other national and international authorities, and Industry, U-ELCOME contributes to the consolidation of standardization and regulatory requirements for U-space services, accelerating their deployment and ensuring interoperability between U-space and traditional air traffic management systems.”
Gonzalo Alonso, Head of International Business Development at ENAIRE, and leader of the Spanish U-ELCOME cluster, added, “For the first time, the simultaneous operation of drones with an air taxi has been possible in a safe manner with multiple U-space Service Providers (USSP): ENAIRE, ITG and the UAB. It is one of the most advanced demonstrations in Europe.”
This event demonstrated the seamless operation of eVTOL aircraft within a controlled urban airspace. Conducted in a designated U-Space environment, the EH216-S flight showcased multi-drone coordination, with up to twelve additional drones operating simultaneously. These aircraft were managed by Spain’s Air Navigation Service Provider, Enaire, using its U-Space system and services, ensuring a safe and harmonized air traffic environment.
The EH216-S flight in Benidorm is particularly significant as it marks the first demonstration of a pilotless eVTOL aircraft in a European city under the regulatory oversight of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement validates the feasibility of integrating unmanned aircraft systems into urban environments while fully complying with Europe’s stringent safety and operational frameworks. The success of this flight paves the way for future UAM deployments across the continent, setting a precedent for scalable and secure eVTOL operations.
The demonstration attracted government authorities, industry stakeholders, and media representatives, underscoring the growing momentum behind UAM adoption in Europe. Additionally, the event featured the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between Benidorm’s City Hall and EHang, aimed at fostering the development of urban air mobility in the region. This partnership positions Benidorm as a pioneering city for next-generation aerial transportation and innovative tourism experiences.
Antonio Pérez, Mayor of Benidorm, emphasized the significance of this event for the city’s future, added, “Benidorm is proud to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. The successful integration of Urban Air Mobility solutions represents a major step in our commitment to smarter, cleaner, and more efficient transportation systems. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with EHang, a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility, to make Benidorm a leader in next-generation mobility.”
Victoria Jing Xiang, EHang´s COO for Europe and LatAm, commented, “These flights mark a major leap forward in integrating unmanned aircraft systems into urban environments. The successful operation of the EH216-S eVTOL, in coordination with multiple drones under a U-Space system, demonstrates the viability of safe, efficient, and sustainable Urban Air Mobility solutions. We are delighted to be part of the U-ELCOME project and to be working with Benidorm to advance the future of air transport.”
With this successful demonstration, EHang further solidifies its role in advancing AAM, demonstrating that safe and scalable urban eVTOL operations are rapidly transitioning from concept to reality. This initiative aligns with the European Union’s broader efforts to establish a comprehensive regulatory and operational framework for the seamless integration of drones and eVTOLs into urban environments.
