Málaga and Marbella are expected to host prototype electric-aircraft demonstrations in 2028 under a European aviation project that includes Spanish airspace and airport organisations.
What is VERTI-GO and what is an eVTOL?
VERTI-GO is an EU-backed project led by Honeywell Aerospace and involving 12 partners. It aims to support the safe integration of piloted electric aircraft and remotely operated cargo drones into European airspace.
The electric aircraft involved are known as eVTOLs, short for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Málaga–Marbella flights: what is planned for 2028?
VERTI-GO is expected to include demonstrations using Vertical Aerospace’s prototype eVTOL aircraft between Málaga and Marbella during 2028.
The project will carry out simulations and demonstrations at European locations to support work on future operational procedures. In southern Spain, aviation authorities will monitor the planned piloted flights to help build trust for future operations, according to both publications.
The project is due to run from June 2026 to May 2029 and has a €6.77 million budget, including around €5 million in EU funding, according to Euro Weekly News
The focus is airspace safety, not a new passenger service
VERTI-GO is focused on the practical systems and procedures needed for eVTOL aircraft and remotely operated drones to operate within existing European airspace.
According to Air Traffic Technology International, the work includes digital flight planning, the management of vertiports and emergency landing sites, and automation to support eVTOL operators and air-traffic controllers.
A vertiport is an airport-like site intended for aircraft that take off and land vertically. Vertical Aerospace said the project is intended to develop the regulatory and operational foundations for safely integrating next-generation aircraft alongside conventional aviation.
Aena, ENAIRE and CRIDA among Spain’s project partners
Spain is represented in the VERTI-GO consortium through Spanish airport operator AENA, an air-navigation service provider called ENAIRE, and CRIDA, a research institution.
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