Volatus Aerospace received FAA approval for commercial agricultural drone operations

Volatus Aerospace pioneers the integration of advanced drone technology into agricultural practices and beyond

Volatus Aerospace Corp., a leader in piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) operation, has announced its receipt of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA for Commercial Agricultural Aircraft Operations using drones. This Operating Certificate, issued under FAA Part 137 and integrated with an exemption obtained in September 2023, permits Volatus Aerospace USA Corp., the company’s US subsidiary, to operate drones approved for agricultural purposes, including those weighing 55 pounds (25kg) or more. Currently, Volatus generates revenue from the agricultural sector by selling equipment and providing data services related to crop management. The addition of operating authority for heavy agricultural spray drones enables Volatus to offer farmers precision spraying benefits while ensuring compliance and safety.

This solution is anticipated to boost revenues from the sale, charter, or operational support of agricultural drones and provide recurring revenue through drone operation, management, and maintenance services. Furthermore, the FAA Operating Authority in the United States, coupled with Volatus’ Special Flight Operating Certificate in Canada (granted in May 2023), permits the company to extend these services to large-scale clients in agriculture and forestry across North America. According to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets, the agricultural drone market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 31.5% between 2023 and 2028, reaching a value of $17.9 billion by 2028 from an estimated $4.5 billion in 2023.