In a significant development for the drone industry, Volatus Aerospace ((TSXV: FLT, OTCQX: TAKOF, FRA: ABB) has obtained approval from Transport Canada to conduct long-distance, remotely piloted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations at night across Canada. This authorization, announced today, allows the company to operate in atypical airspace below 400 feet above ground level over low-density populations.
The approval marks a crucial milestone for Volatus. It enables the company to expand its services to include critical nighttime operations such as 24/7 border surveillance, facility security, search and rescue, thermal detection for wildfires, and cargo delivery.
Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, emphasized the transformative nature of this approval, stating, “The ability to remotely operate drones over long distances at night marks a transformative step forward in our ability to provide our customers with 24/7 drone operations and access to nighttime critical missions all across Canada”.
The nighttime operations present unique advantages and opportunities. Flying at night typically involves less air and ground risk, allowing for operations that may not be feasible during daylight hours. Many of the advanced sensors operated by Volatus can function day or night, with some specifically designed for nighttime conditions.
One key application of this new capability is in wildfire management. Thermal operations for wildfire detection are more effective at night when temperature variations are more pronounced, making it easier to identify thermal anomalies that could cause reignition. In search and rescue scenarios, the ability to continue operations through the night using infrared-equipped drones could significantly improve outcomes by eliminating the need to suspend searches after dark.
The approval also has implications for Volatus’s delivery services. The company will now be able to provide round-the-clock delivery to its clients, a capability particularly crucial for hospitals requiring transportation of critical medical goods at any hour.
This development aligns with broader regulatory changes in Canada’s drone industry. Transport Canada has been working on implementing new regulations to transform drone operations across the country, moving away from case-by-case approvals for BVLOS flights. The new framework, which began rolling out in fall 2024 with full enforcement expected by April 2025, aims to benefit remote communities and commercial operators through expanded BVLOS capabilities.
Volatus Aerospace’s achievement follows its earlier milestone in September 2024, when it received approval to conduct BVLOS drone cargo operations using ground-based technology for detect-and-avoid capabilities on its DroneCare hospital route in the Greater Toronto Area.
As the drone industry continues to evolve, companies like Volatus Aerospace are positioned to play a significant role in shaping the future of aerial solutions. With this latest approval, Volatus strengthens its position in the market and paves the way for more innovative applications of drone technology across various sectors.
