A two-day event showcasing the achievements of three SESAR U-space Digital Sky Demonstrator (DSD) projects - U-ELCOME, BURDI, and EALU-AER - co-funded by European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the CEF Transport programme.

The event brought together key aviation and drone stakeholders from across Europe to share operational experiences, showcase results, and explore the future of U-space implementation.

A dedicated exhibition area featured both live and pre-recorded demonstrations of U-space systems.

This event aimed to:

• Showcase the tangible achievements in U-space implementation through the results of three SESAR Digital Sky Demonstrator projects: U-ELCOME, BURDI, and EALU-AER.
• Promote knowledge exchange by sharing operational experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from real-world deployments across Europe.
• Highlight technological implementation, with live demonstrations of key systems such as common information services providers (CISP) and U-space service providers (USSP).
• Support strategic alignment with the SESAR JU vision for a digital and sustainable European airspace.

Discover the projects on show:

U-ELCOME

Demonstrated real-life U-space services across Spain, Italy, and France—both in controlled and uncontrolled airspace. It is the only project to deploy multiple U-space service providers (USSPs) in a single location, showing how they can work together. The project has collected key lessons and recommendations to support future U-space implementation. Project website.

BURDI

Developed and implemented a U-space concept in complex urban and cross-border environments (Port of Antwerp). It focused on interoperability, safety, and public benefit, supporting diverse drone operations like medical support, goods delivery, and inspections. The project provides a reference for U-space best practices and future standards. Project website.

ÉALÚ-AER

Established Ireland’s first Digital Sky Demonstrator in Shannon to integrate drones with traditional Air Traffic Control (ATC). The project tested cutting-edge U-space technologies and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. It also led national public consultations to explore public acceptance of drones in daily life. Project website.

DAY 1

SESAR SJU - U-space Programme From Research to Implementation

CINEA support to U-ELCOME, BURDI and EALU-AER Bertrand Jolas, Project Advisor, CINEA

U-ELCOME project introduction

BURDI project introduction

EALU-AER project introduction

Making U-space Happen: The Spanish U-space experience
 

From Regulation to Implementation: The Italian U-space Experience

U-ELCOME technical demonstration

Technical deployment to enable U-space: The French U-space Experience

U-space Implementation Handbook - What we learned

DAY 2

BURDI
How we started, where we are now and what’s next?
Key challenges for USSPs, today and in the future
U-space public benefits
Social acceptance and multilevel governance - On implementing the U-space Coordination Mechanism: Lessons learnt in Belgium

ÉALÚ-AER
How we started, where we are now and what’s next?
Social Acceptance of Innovative Air Mobility in Ireland: Stakeholder Perspectives and Survey Insights
Skills Gap Analysis – Assessing Current and Future Skills Needs for Innovative Air Mobility

ÉALÚ-AER Demonstration
Deployment and Demonstration of Ireland’s First U-space
The Air Navigation Service Provider from Segregation to Integration

BURDI Demonstration - Port of Antwerp