Volatus Aerospace Inc. has achieved a significant milestone in advancing unmanned aerial operations in Canada.
The company has received approval from Transport Canada to conduct long-distance, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations at night across the country. This authorization applies to atypical airspace below 400 feet above ground level (AGL) over areas with low population density (fewer than 1,000 people per square kilometer), further expanding the scope of Volatus’ aerial capabilities.
With this approval, Volatus can execute critical nighttime missions, including 24/7 border surveillance, facility security, search and rescue, wildfire thermal detection, and cargo delivery. Conducting drone operations at night presents distinct advantages, such as reduced air and ground risks, allowing for missions that may be impractical or unsafe during the day. Many of the advanced sensors used by Volatus are optimized for round-the-clock deployment, with some specifically requiring nighttime conditions to deliver optimal performance.
Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, said, “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.
“This is particularly important for border security efforts requiring continuous surveillance in areas that are difficult to monitor, especially at night. We are profoundly grateful for the support and guidance provided by Transport Canada. Their commitment to advancing our industry has been essential to enabling us to scale and grow our capabilities.”
The Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) granted to Volatus enables the company to operate drones remotely from its Operations Control Centre (OCC) for extended-range missions. For example, thermal imaging for wildfire detection is significantly more effective at night due to the greater temperature differentials, making it easier to identify thermal anomalies that could lead to reignition. Similarly, in search and rescue operations, where ground teams often pause efforts after dark, remotely operated drones equipped with infrared (IR) technology can continue the mission uninterrupted, drastically improving the chances of locating missing persons in time.
This approval also paves the way for Volatus to offer 24/7 cargo delivery services, particularly benefiting healthcare facilities that require the rapid transportation of critical medical supplies, ensuring timely and lifesaving deliveries.
Looking ahead, Volatus sees this achievement as the first step in a broader initiative to secure multiple Canada-wide SFOCs. The company is focused on enabling key industries, particularly in pipeline right-of-way and utility transmission inspections. By expanding its regulatory approvals and operational capabilities, Volatus remains at the forefront of the drone industry, delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients and partners.
