Key Takeaways
- Volatus Aerospace awarded a contract to conduct aerial surveys at 21 farm sites across Canada
- The project supports data-driven insights into plant health and crop performance
- Flights are underway and will occur twice per site during the growing season
- The company is developing operational models for BVLOS and autonomous drone use
- This follows an earlier announcement of a forestry drone project with J.D. Irving, Limited
Volatus Aerospace Expands Drone Operations in Agriculture
Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV: FLT) has announced the award of a national agriculture contract from a North American crop intelligence technology provider. The project involves deploying multispectral drone surveys across 21 agricultural sites in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. Each location will be surveyed twice during the growing season to collect data related to crop health and field performance.
The company confirmed that flight operations have already begun.
Precision Agriculture Drives Adoption of Drone Technology
Role of Scalable Data Solutions
The initiative is part of a growing trend in precision agriculture, where data collected by drones and remote sensors supports more informed and sustainable farming practices. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, smart farming technologies are increasingly being used to manage rising input costs, improve yields, and address sustainability challenges.
By operating at a national scale, Volatus Aerospace aims to contribute to these efforts with its drone-based capabilities.
Volatus Aerospace Commentary and Future Direction
CEO Highlights Operational Reach
Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, noted the company’s readiness to manage drone operations across rural and remote locations: “This contract showcases Volatus’ unique ability to scale drone operations efficiently across Canada. Our growing network of local teams enables rapid mobilization in rural and remote areas.”
Lynch added that the company plans to advance its drone offerings through development of autonomous and remotely operated systems tailored to agriculture.
Operational Innovation in Crop Monitoring
Volatus is also working on integrating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, remote piloting, and drone-in-a-box systems into its service models. These technologies are intended to facilitate continuous crop monitoring throughout the growing season and support future precision agriculture deployments.
Recent Forestry Collaboration Highlights Broader Strategy
Earlier this week, Volatus Aerospace also announced a strategic collaboration with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to support spring 2025 tree planting operations in New Brunswick. The project will use heavy-lift Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to deliver seedlings and supplies to forestry crews working in remote areas.
Flight operations will be managed remotely by Volatus’ Operations Control Centre in Vaughan, Ontario. Lynch commented: “Forestry is a critical pillar of Canada’s economy and environmental stewardship. We are honoured to support JDI’s long-standing commitment to well-managed working forests.”
