ENAC launches the first European U-Space
Despite the stop to the Amazon Prime Air Drone Delivery project in Italy for drone delivery (launched in San Salvo, Abruzzo, together with the renunciation of the related LUC - Light UAS Operator Certificate), ENAC has announced that San Salvo (in the province of Chieti) remains at the center of European aeronautical innovation.
In fact, from 1 January 2026 , the U-Space San Salvo, the first operational U-Space in Europe, will come into operation. It is a portion of airspace dedicated to the safe and integrated management of remotely piloted flights, in coexistence with traditional manned aviation.
The activation of the U-Space is the result of a structured collaboration between D-Flight, ENAV and ENAC, with the involvement of various territorial realities. A project that allows experimental activities, special operations and emergency interventions, strengthening Italy's positioning in the development of advanced, sustainable and intermodal civil aviation.
What are unmanned vehicles
Unmanned aircraft are unmanned aircraft (UAS - Unmanned Aircraft System) that operate without a pilot on board, remotely controlled or programmed to fly automatically. They include not only the drone, but also the control station, communication systems and all the components necessary to ensure safe and compliant operation with airspace rules. The integration of UAS into civil airspace, through tools such as U-Space, is a key step for the future development of air mobility and innovative services.
