Key Takeaways
- Volatus Aerospace to deploy heavy-lift drones for Spring 2025 reforestation efforts with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI)
- Project aims to improve seedling delivery efficiency in remote areas while minimizing environmental impact
- Centralized drone operations will be coordinated from Volatus’ Operations Control Centre in Ontario
- The collaboration supports JDI’s long-term forest management efforts and national reforestation goals
- Companies plan to explore joint marketing to promote broader adoption of drone-based forestry logistics
Volatus and J.D. Irving Partner on Drone Logistics for Reforestation
Volatus Aerospace Corp. has announced a strategic collaboration with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to support tree planting operations scheduled for Spring 2025 in New Brunswick. The initiative will utilize drone technology to deliver seedlings and supplies to forestry crews working in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
Volatus will provide a heavy-lift Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for the project. All flight operations will be remotely managed by Volatus’ Operations Control Centre (OCC) in Vaughan, Ontario.
“Forestry is a critical pillar of Canada’s economy and environmental stewardship,” said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. “We are honoured to support JDI’s long-standing commitment to well-managed working forests.”
Improving Efficiency and Safety in Tree Planting
JDI, a major contributor to Canada’s forestry sector, has planted more than 1.1 billion trees since 1957. The company continues to explore operational improvements, including the integration of drone logistics to support its tree planting teams.
“We needed to find safer and more efficient ways to deliver seedlings to our planters and we think drones are the answer,” said Ben Lane, Operations Manager, Tree Planting at JDI. “It has been great working with Volatus to help make this initiative a reality.”
The drone system is expected to reduce reliance on ground-based logistics, improving safety and minimizing the environmental footprint of transportation in remote forested areas.
Context and Market Relevance
The collaboration comes at a time of increasing demand for reforestation services. Following recent wildfire losses, an estimated 5.3 billion seedlings are required to restore just 15% of damaged forests in Canada. Globally, the tree planting services market is projected to grow from $7.2 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion by 2031.
Drone-based delivery systems offer a scalable and cost-effective method for reforestation, particularly in challenging terrain. By leveraging AI, automation, and remote sensing, such systems align with broader sustainability goals and carbon market opportunities.
Next Steps and Broader Engagement For Volatus & JDI
The initial deployment in New Brunswick will include:
- A heavy-lift RPAS system for logistics support
- On-site RPAS training for JDI tree planting crews
- Remote mission coordination via Volatus’ OCC
- Regulatory oversight, including coordination of Special Flight Operations Certificates with Transport Canada
Volatus and JDI also plan to explore joint outreach and marketing to promote drone-based tree planting methods and share project outcomes with the wider forestry and environmental sectors.
