Memorandum of Understanding for electric air mobility in Portugal
VIC Properties, the Portuguese developer behind some of Portugal’s most ambitious luxury residential and resort destinations, and the British company Vertical Aerospace-developer of the Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft-have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the future rollout of electric air mobility services in Portugal.
The initial focus is Pinheirinho, a 400-hectare estate in Comporta that includes Six Senses Comporta.
Beyond electric vehicle charging in luxury developments
In large-scale residential and hospitality schemes, electric vehicle infrastructure is now widely expected as a baseline feature. This collaboration looks at what could come next: using electric air mobility to apply the same thinking to how people travel across Europe’s most sought-after regions-reducing environmental impact without sacrificing convenience, speed or safety.
Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of Vertical Aerospace, said:
“The most exceptional destinations deserve an equally exceptional way to arrive. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel that is faster, 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.”
Pinheirinho/Comporta as the starting point
Under the MoU, VIC Properties will work with Vertical and its infrastructure and operating partners to evaluate Pinheirinho as Portugal’s first electric air mobility resort destination. This will include site planning and the required infrastructure.
Set on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Pinheirinho is among Europe’s most anticipated developments. It is anchored by two ultra-luxury hotels, one of which is Six Senses Comporta. Its scale, together with its proximity to Lisbon, positions it as a natural test case for how advanced air mobility could link major hubs with some of the world’s most in-demand destinations.
Related initiatives and possible expansion
The MoU also reflects a broader shift already under way in ambitious real-estate projects: moving past electric vehicle charging as a standard sustainability marker, towards a more complete view of how residents and guests arrive at the places they consider home.
The agreement follows Vertical’s partnership with Héli Air Monaco to examine future Valo operations across the French Riviera, connecting destinations including Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. As the collaboration develops, additional VIC destinations may also be considered.
João Cabaça, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of VIC Properties, said:
“Pinheirinho is being developed around a long-term vision, focused on creating 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 air mobility will shape the experience, reach and connectivity of next-generation destinations like Pinheirinho/Comporta.”
Information from Vertical Aerospace
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