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Canary Islands targets aerospace investment at global congress in Turkey
The Canary Islands is seeking to attract aerospace projects and investment this week in Turkey, at the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), by highlighting the archipelago’s favourable climate, strategic position, scientific capacity and tax incentives. More than 6,000 participants from around the world are gathering in Belek, a resort in southern Turkey, until Thursday, including numerous Spanish companies grouped together in a Spain Pavilion.
Showcasing the islands’ aerospace credentials
The aim is to raise awareness of the archipelago’s solid progress and firm positioning in the aerospace sector on the international stage, according to David Pérez-Dionis, director-general for Organic Coordination and Strategic Projects at the Government of the Canary Islands, who is heading the island delegation. According to the Canary Islands representative, it is important to take advantage of the many benefits the islands offer for hosting programmes, projects, facilities and plans from the most relevant organisations and institutions on the global scene.
“We have maintained an intense schedule that has allowed us to meet with more than 15 companies and institutions, to whom we have communicated the capabilities the Canary Islands has for developing the aerospace sector,” said Pérez-Dionis. Indeed, the Canary Islands offers companies in the sector an excellent geographical location, along with a high level of technological development, as well as enjoying significant tax advantages. “The assessment is very positive. We have received many requests for information from the companies and entities we have met, and all of them have shown great interest in the possibility of developing their activity in the Canary Islands,” said Pérez-Dionis.
Meetings with leading aerospace firms
The Canary Islands delegation met on Tuesday with representatives of numerous companies and institutions from around the world, including the Spanish firms Arkadia, which specialises in green propulsion; Satlantis, a producer of optical cameras for satellites; and GTD, a specialist in launcher and rocket control. There were also contacts with the French-Italian company Thales Alenia Space, which focuses on the design, development and operation of satellite-based systems and space technologies; with the South Korean satellite manufacturer Satrec; with the European Space Agency (ESA); and with the Swedish Space Corporation.
During these meetings, the interlocutors praised the work being carried out under the Canary Islands Aerospace Strategy. Ismael López, president of Thales Alenia Space in Spain, highlighted the islands’ determined commitment to a strategic, cutting-edge, high-technology sector that generates high value-added employment. The Thales representative described it as fundamental that all these initiatives be coordinated, not only at regional level, but also nationally and even at European level. For that reason, he added, the Canary constellation could become a Spanish asset in European sector initiatives.
Pseudosatellite prototype under development in Fuerteventura
The company is currently developing a prototype pseudosatellite in Fuerteventura — an aerial vehicle that can remain for long periods at an altitude of around 20 kilometres to perform functions similar to those of a satellite, though without being in orbit. “The sector is flourishing in Europe and investments are increasing significantly. It is a very cutting-edge, very high-technology sector that generates extremely high value-added employment,” said López in statements to EFE.
Further talks planned before the congress closes
The Canary Islands delegation expects to hold meetings between now and the end of the congress with the British space company Open Cosmos, the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), the Brazilian Space Agency, the Portuguese Space Agency and the South African Space Agency. The annual IAC congress covers all space sectors and topics, showcases the latest advances in academia and industry, and offers opportunities to network with the global space community and explore potential unique collaborations. Next year, the 78th IAC congress will be held in Poznań, Poland, while Barcelona is bidding to host it in 2029.
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