U-ELCOME Project Enhances U-Space Integration with Major Drone Demonstrations in Spain

On February 21, 2025, the progress being made in integrating U-space services with drone operations was spotlighted through large-scale demonstrations held at the ports of Valencia and Seville, Spain. These trials are vital as Europe works towards harmonizing its airspace for drone activities. The U-ELCOME project has taken significant steps in validating UAV operations, showcasing improvements in logistics, emergency response, and infrastructure management within complex port environments.

The Port of Valencia kicked off its U-Space validation exercise on January 23, 2025, during an emergency response drill organized by Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in conjunction with the Valencia Port Authority. Participants included Customs Surveillance, Valencia’s local police, the fire department, and numerous industry stakeholders like UAV Works and PrimeCor Systems. Notable attendees were Esther Gómez, the Secretary for Universities of the Valencian Community, and Enrique Belda, Director of the Valencia Port Authority.

This demonstration illustrated how U-space services can concurrently coordinate multiple drone flights for tasks like anchorage zone monitoring and safety logistics. The operations were directed from an Advanced Command Post (PMA), effectively simulating a real-time emergency scenario. Service providers such as ENAIRE and the DronAS of the Autonomous University of Barcelona played crucial roles in managing these coordinated efforts.

Key Developments in Seville

Following the success in Valencia, the Port of Seville hosted another significant demonstration on February 8, 2025, concentrating on logistics and infrastructure monitoring. Organized by ENAIRE, the Seville Port Authority, and the AIRUS consortium, this event tested the capability of U-space services to facilitate safe and efficient drone operations.

During the Seville trials, drones were used to simulate various logistics operations like perimeter surveillance and port facility inspections. These tests effectively demonstrated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, which are crucial for expanding drone deployment in industrial contexts. The Seville Port Authority, a known advocate for drone integrations, revealed how these technologies can enhance port management and streamline daily operations.

Future Steps for the U-ELCOME Project

The U-ELCOME initiative aims to establish a cohesive framework for drone operations throughout Europe, enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in urban and industrial airspace. Looking ahead, the project will continue with validation exercises, with an Open Day scheduled for February 27 in Benidorm, emphasizing new functionalities of U-space service providers and innovative drone models.

The U-ELCOME project, a three-year SESAR Digital Sky Demonstrator initiative, encompasses 51 partners working collectively to promote the deployment of U1 and U2 services. With demonstrations being conducted across three European nations, the project’s ultimate goal is to ensure interoperability and support the EU’s unification of U-space services. It has a budget of 14 million euros funded by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and is projected to continue its objectives until October 2025. Additional details can be found here U-ELCOME Project Details.

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Attribution: Original Article