Volatus Aerospace Partners with J.D. Irving for Drone-Enhanced Reforestation

**Vaughan, Ontario - June 23, 2025**: Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: FLT; OTCQB: TAKOF; FSE: A3DP5Y) has announced a strategic collaboration with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) aimed at enhancing tree planting operations in New Brunswick through the integration of advanced drone technology. This partnership seeks to improve the efficiency and scalability of forestry operations while addressing environmental concerns.
The initiative comes in the wake of recent devastating wildfires, which have increased the necessity for tree planting efforts. According to estimates from the Government of Canada, over 5.3 billion seedlings are required to restore just 15% of the forests affected by these disasters. With a historical commitment to sustainable forestry practices, JDI has planted over 1.1 billion trees since its inception in 1957.
Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Forestry is a critical pillar of Canada’s economy and environmental stewardship. We are honoured to support JDI’s long-standing commitment to well-managed working forests by contributing innovative drone logistics, training, and regulatory guidance.”
The project will deploy a heavy-lift Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) capable of transporting seedlings and supplies to remote planting crews. All flight operations will be centralized and managed from Volatus’ Operations Control Centre (OCC) located in Vaughan, Ontario, ensuring real-time mission oversight and a reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional logistics methods.
Ben Lane, Operations Manager for tree planting at JDI, noted the organization's focus on safety and efficiency, stating, “At JDI we strive to make improvements to our operations, and we always focus on our people. We needed to find safer and more efficient ways to deliver seedlings to our planters and we think drones are the answer.”
The collaboration not only aligns with JDI’s commitment to sustainability but also positions both companies at the forefront of a rapidly expanding global tree planting services market, projected to grow from $7.2 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion by 2031, as highlighted by a recent report from Grand View Research.
The initial phase of the project includes the deployment of the heavy-lift logistics RPAS, on-site support and RPAS training for JDI’s tree planting teams, and the management of all regulatory aspects, including Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) coordination with Transport Canada.
This partnership reflects a broader trend within the forestry sector, where technology is increasingly being leveraged to enhance operational efficiencies and environmental sustainability. Drones, when combined with AI and remote sensing technologies, offer scalable and cost-effective solutions for high-volume planting, particularly in difficult-to-access terrains.
As the demand for effective reforestation strategies grows, the partnership between Volatus Aerospace and J.D. Irving is indicative of the evolving landscape in forestry management, where innovation is paramount. Both companies are also exploring joint marketing opportunities to share the success of this initiative and promote the adoption of drone-based tree planting methodologies.
About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is recognized as a leading provider of integrated aerial intelligence and logistics solutions across North America and internationally. The company utilizes a combination of drone technology, piloted aircraft, and advanced data analytics to serve various industries, including public safety, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and environmental management.
About J.D. Irving, Limited: Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited is a prominent private, family-owned company based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. With diverse operations that span forestry, transportation, shipbuilding, and agriculture, JDI is committed to sustainable business practices and responsible land stewardship, positioning itself as a leader in science-based forest management.
**Forward-Looking Information:** This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the companies’ future business activities and operational performance. The companies caution that actual results may differ due to various risks and uncertainties. For further information, investors are encouraged to review the companies' management discussions available on SEDAR.
For inquiries, please contact: Rob Walker, Chief Commercial Officer Rob.Walker@volatusaerospace.com +1-833-865-2887
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