Volatus Aerospace Corp. announces it has received a Transport Canada special authority to operate heavy crop spraying drones weighing over 25 kg anywhere in Canada. This special authority enables pilots who are trained through Volatus Aerospace's training program, operating in compliance with Transport Canada's conditions outlined in the approval, to operate throughout Canada.
"The current advanced drone regulations in Canada restrict the flight of a remotely piloted aircraft weighing over 25 kg within national airspace, this approval permits Volatus Aerospace to operate a heavy crop spraying drone, which has a maximum takeoff weight of 101 kg," explained Reno Matthews, Director of Regulatory Compliance for Volatus Aerospace. "This unlocks our ability to offer compliant drone crop spraying services across Canada for our precision agriculture clients." Because of its ability to surgically target plants and provide unparalleled spray control, drone crop spraying has been increasingly adopted world-wide as a cost-efficient and greener method for maintaining crops.
"Using traditional methods, like crop dusting aircraft, is not only costly but imprecise as healthy plants are treated with unnecessary chemicals alongside diseased ones. Drones use less product and can focus only on the plants that need treatment, making it a more efficient, safer, and cost-effective way to maintain crops," added John Johnstone, Sales Director for Agriculture at Volatus Aerospace. "Consumers want less chemicals on their products and it is better for the environment, it is the future of agriculture."
The dispersal of some chemicals is pending Health Canada approval; however, non-pesticide type treatments are largely unrestricted today. Moreover, big Ag companies, such as Bayer, are taking steps to help farmers benefit from these new technologies.
According to FACT.MR, theglobal drone spraying services market is expected to reach a valuation of $213.7 million USD in 2023 and is predicted to accelerate at a combined annual growth rate of 24.7% to top market size of $ 1,942.9 million USD by 2023. In Canada, primary farming consists of more than 189,000 farms covering 62.2 million hectares.
About Volatus Aerospace:
Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout North America and growing into Latin America and globally. Volatus serves civil, public safety, and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, as well as R&D, design, and manufacturing. Through our subsidiary, Volatus Aviation, we are introducing green and innovative drone solutions to supplement and replace traditional aircraft and helicopters for long-linear inspections such as pipeline, energy, rail, and cargo services. Volatus is committed to carbon neutrality; the fostering of a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace; and responsible governance.