Bluenest by Globalvia has launched a pioneering project in La Gomera (Canary Islands) in collaboration with the Island Council of La Gomera, Proexca, and the La Gomera Health Authority. The initiative introduces drones to transport medical samples, marking a milestone in Spain’s adoption of advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions within healthcare logistics.
This groundbreaking program establishes Bluenest as a key player in the deployment of safe, sustainable, and efficient air mobility systems, bringing cutting-edge technology to the forefront of public health and logistics services.
The different parties to the project around Bluenest’s logistic drone.
Unveiled in Playa de Santiago, the project involves the creation of a low-altitude aerial corridor linking all six municipalities on the island with the central hospital and various health centers. In this first phase, trial flights are being conducted along two main routes: the southern corridor connecting Playa de Santiago’s health center with San Sebastián’s hospital, and the northern corridor linking the hospital with the Hermigua health center.
Thanks to the use of electric eVTOL drones, transport times—such as the 40-minute road journey in the south—can be reduced to just 10 minutes by air. These drones are capable of carrying up to three kilograms over distances of up to 100 kilometers, offering a highly versatile solution tailored to the island’s unique terrain and logistical needs.
Family picture after the presentation of the project.
José Ignacio Rodríguez, General Manager of Bluenest by Globalvia, stated: “We are proud to lead this milestone project alongside the Island Council of La Gomera, bringing advanced and sustainable air mobility to Spain. This first pilot program for unmanned medical drone transport represents a major step forward in our commitment to safer, more predictable, efficient, and environmentally conscious logistics solutions. La Gomera offers the ideal environment to validate this model, and we are confident that this collaboration will pave the way for a fully operational vertiport network across the archipelago.”
Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, emphasized the significance of this pilot, calling it “a landmark moment in the use of drones for healthcare purposes on the island and across the region.” Casimiro Curbelo, President of the Island Council, added: “La Gomera is taking flight—not with promises, but with action.” He reiterated the island’s strategic commitment to leading the technological transformation, noting that this initiative is part of a broader plan launched in 2022 to position La Gomera as a hub for aeronautical and aerospace innovation. “Our strength lies in who we are. We don’t abandon our identity—we project it into the future,” he concluded.
Key applications for the drone system include the rapid transport of blood samples, plasma, and medication, as well as the delivery of surgical equipment and critical spare parts to remote clinics. The drones will also support infrastructure inspection and civil protection missions.
El dron de Bluenest durante el vuelo demostrativo que hizo el recorrido entre hospital de San Sebastián y el centro sanitario de Playa Santiago.
La Gomera’s geographic location makes it an ideal candidate for serving as a central hub in a regional drone network. The initial vision includes connecting the island with Tenerife, with future phases potentially expanding the network to La Palma and El Hierro.
The project also carries strong environmental and social benefits. By replacing traditional road transport with electric aircraft, annual CO₂ emissions could be reduced by over 14 tons, while noise pollution is significantly minimized thanks to the quiet operation of electric drones. Environmental safeguards have also been integrated, including measures for wildlife protection and compatibility with ecological corridors—making this a model for sustainable logistics that directly enhances the quality of life on the island.
From Globalvia we move forward towards a more connected, efficient and sustainable future! Congratulations to our team for this great milestone!