VIC Properties, the Portuguese real estate developer behind some of the country’s most exclusive residential projects and tourist destinations, and Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace technology company and one of the pioneers of electric aviation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assess the future implementation of electric air mobility solutions in Portugal. The initial focus of this collaboration is on Pinheirinho Comporta, the 400-hectare development located in Comporta that includes the future Six Senses Comporta, exploring new forms of sustainable mobility for residents and visitors.
Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles has become an essential requirement in the most innovative residential and hospitality projects. This partnership aims to look to the future of sustainable mobility, exploring how electric air mobility could expand this vision and transform the way residents and visitors travel between some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. The goal is to provide an efficient, safe and convenient alternative capable of reducing the environmental impact of travel without compromising speed, comfort or the quality of the travel experience.
“Truly exceptional destinations deserve a travel experience to match. At Vertical, we are developing a new generation of air mobility — safer, more sustainable and quieter — that makes travel faster, simpler and more enjoyable. This partnership seeks to explore how this new category of air transport can integrate seamlessly into the future of tourist destinations and luxury hospitality, elevating the experience of those who live in, visit and invest in these places”
— Stuart Simpson
CEO of Vertical Aerospace
Under this Memorandum of Understanding, VIC Properties will work closely with Vertical Aerospace to assess the potential of Pinheirinho Comporta as a pioneer of electric air mobility in Portugal’s tourism sector.
Located on the Portuguese Atlantic coast, Pinheirinho Comporta is one of the most iconic and promising tourism and residential developments in Europe, anchored by two internationally renowned hotels, including Six Senses Comporta. Its strategic location, combined with its proximity to Lisbon and the scale of the project, creates unique conditions for assessing the potential of advanced air mobility in connecting major urban centers with some of Europe’s most prestigious and sought-after destinations.
This MoU reflects a broader shift already under way at leading real estate and tourism developments. As sustainability moves beyond simply providing electric vehicle infrastructure, a broader vision of mobility is gaining relevance, rethinking how residents and visitors access the destinations where they live, work or spend their leisure time. The initiative follows the partnership established between Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco to explore future VX4 aircraft operations on the French Riviera, including connections between destinations such as Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. With capacity for four passengers, Vertical’s aircraft can fly distances of over 160 km, at speeds of up to 250 km/h. As this collaboration evolves, opportunities may also be assessed at other developments in VIC Properties’ portfolio.
“Pinheirinho is being developed with a long-term vision: to create a new benchmark for luxury hospitality and residential living on the Portuguese Atlantic coast. The partnership with Vertical Aerospace, one of the most innovative and pioneering companies in the development of electric air mobility, represents a natural extension of that vision. We are confident that new air mobility solutions will play a decisive role in how next-generation destinations are experienced, enhancing their accessibility, connectivity and appeal for residents and visitors.”
— João Cabaça
Co-founder and CEO of VIC Properties.
About Vertical Aerospace:
Vertical Aerospace is a global aeronautics and technology company pioneering electric aviation. The company is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel.
The Valo is a piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) with capacity for four passengers and zero operational emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, which will offer greater range and operational flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market.
Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including Honeywell, Syensqo and Aciturri, with proprietary battery and propeller technology, to develop the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL.
The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo from customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. Certain obligations to customers are expected to be fulfilled through third-party agreements.
Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical’s leadership team brings together professionals from leading companies in the aerospace and automotive sectors, such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together, its members have previously been involved in the certification and support of more than 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
About VIC Properties:
Founded in 2018, with a project portfolio of more than three billion euros under management, VIC Properties is a dynamic, vertically integrated real estate developer. With a mission to create unique memories and a strong sense of community, VIC Properties develops major residential and tourism projects in Portugal.
Headquartered in Lisbon, with a team of excellence and leading partners, VIC Properties has built a solid reputation over the years, reflected in its landmark projects, extensive experience and technical expertise.
About Pinheirinho Comporta:
Developed by VIC Properties, Pinheirinho Comporta is a unique 400-hectare destination where extensive pine forests, natural lagoons and preserved dunes blend with one of Europe’s most privileged coastlines, part of the 65-kilometer Atlantic coastline of the Comporta region.
Considered one of the most ambitious tourism and residential projects in southern Europe, its main anchor will be Six Senses Comporta, designed by architecture studio Michaelis Boyd, which will include 70 rooms and 58 private residences. The development will also include exclusive villas, high-end apartments and an 18-hole golf course designed by architect Jorge Santana da Silva.
Complementing the residential and hospitality offering, the destination will feature a selection of restaurants, premium retail spaces and a diverse program of experiences related to nature, wellness and outdoor living. Reflecting its commitment to environmental preservation, less than 5% of the property will be built on, with the vast majority of the land remaining a protected natural area.
