This week in Turkey, during the 77th edition of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC2026), the Canary Islands are seeking to attract projects and investment in the aerospace sector by highlighting the appeal of their favourable climate, strategic location, scientific capabilities and tax incentives.
More than 6,000 participants from all over the world are gathering in Belek, a spa resort in southern Turkey, between now and Thursday, including numerous Spanish companies, all gathered together in the Spanish Pavilion.
Canary Islands: Delegation seeks to attract space projects and investment
The aim is «to highlight the archipelago’s solid progress and strong position in the aerospace sector at an international level», said David Pérez-Dionis, Director-General for Organisational Coordination and Strategic Projects at the Government of the Canary Islands, who is leading the island delegation.
According to the representative from the Canary Islands, it is important to «make the most of the many advantages the islands offer in hosting programmes, projects, facilities and initiatives run by the world’s leading organisations and institutions».
«We have maintained a busy schedule that has enabled us to meet with more than 15 companies and institutions, to whom we have highlighted the Canary Islands‘ capabilities for the development of the aerospace sector,» Pérez-Dionis told EFE.
In fact, the Canary Islands offer companies in the sector an excellent geographical location, combined with a high level of technological development, as well as significant tax advantages.
«The feedback has been very positive. We have received many requests for information from the companies and organisations we have met with, and all of them have shown great interest in the possibility of operating in the Canary Islands,» said Pérez-Dionis.
ESA and space companies praise the Canary Islands' strategy
The Canary Islands delegation met on Tuesday with representatives from numerous companies and organisations from around the world, including the Spanish firms Arkadia, which specialises in green propulsion; Satlantis, a manufacturer of optical cameras for satellites; and GTD, a specialist in launch vehicle and rocket control.
In addition, contacts were made with the Franco-Italian company Thales Alenia Space, which specialises in the design, development and operation of satellite-based systems and space technologies, with the Korean satellite manufacturer Satrec, with the European Space Agency (ESA) and with the Swedish Space Corporation.
During these meetings, the participants praised the work being carried out by the Canary Islands Aerospace Strategy.
The Canary Islands constellation
Thales sees opportunities in the Canary Islands' space strategy
Ismael López, president of Thales Alenia Space in Spain, highlighted the islands‘ firm commitment to a strategic, cutting-edge, high-tech sector that generates high value-added employment.
The Thales representative described it as «essential» that all these initiatives be coordinated, «not only at regional level, but also at national and even European level».
For that reason, he added, the «Canary Islands constellation» could be «an asset for Spain» in initiatives within the sector in Europe.
The company is currently developing a prototype ‚pseudo-satellite‘ in Fuerteventura, an aerial vehicle capable of remaining at an altitude of around 20 kilometres for long periods to perform functions similar to those of a satellite, although without being in orbit.
«The sector is flourishing in Europe and investment is increasing significantly. It is a cutting-edge, high-tech sector that generates jobs with very high added value,» López told EFE.
IAC2026 paves the way for further discussions with space agencies
Between now and the end of the conference, the Canary Islands delegation plans to hold meetings 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 IAC’s annual conference covers all space-related sectors and topics, showcases the latest developments 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), whilst Barcelona is hoping to host it in 2029.
«The Canary Islands are promoting space sector investment at IAC2026»
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