First the Cote d‘Azur, now Portugal, as Vertical Aerospace explores electric air mobility this time on the Iberian peninsula. The first hub could be the Pinheirinho estate on the Atlantic coastline.
Portuguese developer VIC Properties is to explore the future introduction of Vertical Aerospace electric air mobility services in Portugal, with an initial focus on Pinheirinho, the 400 hectare estate located in Comporta that includes Six Senses Comporta.
Electric vehicle infrastructure has become a baseline expectation across ambitious residential and hospitality developments. This partnership explores what comes next: how electric air mobility can extend that same thinking to how people can travel across Europe’s most desirable regions, while reducing environmental impact without compromising on convenience, speed and safety.
“The most exceptional destinations deserve an equally exceptional way to arrive,” says Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace. “Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel that is quicker, simpler and more enjoyable. This partnership is about understanding how a new category of air travel can integrate into the future of resort living and luxury hospitality.”
Under an MoU, VIC Properties will work with Vertical and its infrastructure and operating partners to assess Pinheirinho as Portugal’s first electric air mobility resort destination, including site and infrastructure planning.
Located on the Atlantic coast, the Pinheirinho estate is one of Europe’s most anticipated developments, anchored by two ultra-luxury hotels, including Six Senses Comporta. Its scale and proximity to Lisbon make it a natural test case for how advanced air mobility could connect major hubs with the world’s most sought-after destinations.
This MoU reflects a broader shift already underway in ambitious real estate developments: moving beyond electric vehicle charging as the default sustainability marker, towards a fuller rethink of how residents and guests reach the places they call home. It follows Vertical’s partnership with Heli Air Monaco at the end of last year to explore future Valo operations across the French Riviera, connecting destinations including Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Additional VIC destinations may also be considered as the partnership develops.
“Pinheirinho is being developed around a long-term vision, to create a new benchmark for luxury hospitality and residential living on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. A partnership with Vertical, a recognised pioneer in this emerging sector, is a natural extension of that ambition, as we truly believe that air mobility will shape the experience, the reach and connectivity of next-generation destinations such as Pinheirinho Comporta,” says Joao Cabaca, co-founder and CEO, VIC Properties.
