In October 2022 it all began, in the first days of that month the Canarias Geo Innovation Program 2030 Project was presented, indicating the different areas that conform it, and proceeding to the laying of the first stone of the Canarias Stratoport for HAPS of Fuerteventura, in which act the president of the Government of the Canary Islands at that time, Angel Victor Torres, said that “these would be a leap of quality in the powerful aeronautical ecosystem that the islands have”.
Co-financed with European funds, this project aims to install in Fuerteventura the first European airport, enabling operations with pseudo-satellites (HASP) and drones, making Fuerteventura an international benchmark in innovation and experimentation of aerospace technologies.
The project was awarded to the consortium formed by Lopesan, a company of Canary Islands capital, and Acciona, which will carry out the works of the complex for an amount of 9 million euros, where it is also planned the construction of hangars and buildings in addition to a control center for unmanned devices, to track these devices, in an area of over 100 hectares, located in the technology park of Fuerteventura.
Within the functionalities of this launching platform for drones and mini satellites, it is planned to carry out different studies taking advantage of the advanced technological characteristics with which they are equipped, allowing to follow the evolution of biodiversity and the prevention of emergencies.
The project seeks to promote innovation in the aerospace industry, from the development of new materials and processes to the creation of new services and products, as well as offering companies and public entities the opportunity to experiment with new aerospace technologies in real conditions and specialized training in aerospace technologies, making Fuerteventura a benchmark in the creation of professionals in these sectors.
With a budget of one hundred and fifty million euros (€150,000,000,000) and a ten-year investment plan, it has the potential to transform Fuerteventura into a world-class innovation center, creating new job opportunities, fostering the economic development of the island and contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
The manufacture of materials and composites, the provision of services, research and development could be the driving force behind job creation, as the project progresses in its implementation plans, and even once it is underway, facilitating the arrival of new national and international investment to the island.
This project could facilitate the improvement in the competitiveness of the islands, and boost their introduction in the national and even international market.
Canarias Geo Innovation Program 2023, is a well positioned project, supported by public institutions, business and civil society, which has the potential to change the future of Fuerteventura.
