Lighting Up Europe: How UMILES Became a Key Player in the Drone Show Market

To explore how UMILES achieved this level of prominence, Raúl Cortijo, Managing Director of UMILES, shared insights into the company’s success formula, most iconic shows, and the role Drone Show Software plays in enabling high-precision performances across Spain, Latin America, and beyond.

About Raúl Cortijo‍

Raúl Cortijo is an executive with extensive international experience in finance and business management. He currently leads UMILES Group, driving its consolidation, growth, and efficiency. He is an expert in management control, digital transformation, and team leadership.

Pioneering Spirit and International Growth

“UMILES has been a pioneer in the drone show industry in both Spain and Latin America,” Cortijo explains. “This early positioning allowed for a deep understanding of market needs and trends. Growth has been driven by consistently delivering high-quality shows, ensuring client satisfaction, and maintaining a strong focus on innovation.”

Operating in a region with strict airspace and safety regulations, UMILES treats compliance as a key asset.

“Every show is designed to meet the highest safety standards under European regulation. This provides clients with full confidence and peace of mind.”

Delivering Unforgettable Experiences

UMILES has become known for shows that not only impress with technical precision but also leave lasting emotional impact. Two standouts from recent years include:

TV Premiere for El Hormiguero

‍For the launch of Spain’s most-watched late-night TV show, UMILES lit up Madrid’s iconic Calle Alcalá with 350 drones, forming the program’s signature characters. The performance, featuring tennis legend Rafa Nadal, was broadcast live and reached more than 5 million viewers.
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Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King Premiere

‍In celebration of the highly anticipated film, UMILES created a breathtaking aerial performance that brought beloved Disney characters to life over the Madrid skyline.
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Precision at Scale with Drone Show Software

UMILES drone shows typically range from 150 to 1000 drones, with scale depending on the event’s goals and audience size. Larger shows require more complex choreography, advanced planning, and technical coordination. To meet those demands, the team relies on Drone Show Software as its creative and operational backbone.

“Drone Show Software helps streamline processes and to minimize errors, making our business to run smoothly and hence letting teams focus on impactful decisions,” says Cortijo. “Its features allow us to maintain the high level of precision, creativity, and guarantee the reliability that clients expect from Umilies.”

Beyond technical execution, DSS enables the UMILES team to focus more on creative decision-making and delivering emotionally resonant performances.

Staying Ahead in a Competitive Market

With the European drone show industry highly concentrated, UMILES remains competitive by focusing on continuous innovation and in-house technology development.

“By using our own custom-built drones, we retain full control over technology and performance,” explains Cortijo. “This allows for more flexible, tailored shows and gives us an edge in creative customization.”

The company also emphasizes a customer-first strategy, designing each show to reflect the unique vision and goals of the client.

Looking Ahead: A Bold Vision for 2025

UMILES is gearing up for an ambitious year, with several strategic goals already in motion:

• Doubling the drone fleet to meet growing demand
  
  
• Expanding international operations, particularly in Latin America through its Chilean subsidiary
  
  
• Launching recurring shows to build stronger presence and consistency in key markets
  
  

As the industry continues to evolve, UMILES is investing in creative teams and exploring new drone capabilities—including aircraft equipped to carry pyrotechnics.

“The future of drone shows will be defined by emotional storytelling, creative innovation, and multi-sensory impact,” says Cortijo. “UMILES is committed to pushing those boundaries.”

With deep roots in Spain and growing global reach, UMILES is not just riding the wave of drone entertainment—they’re helping define its future.