AIRmarket reports it is leading the development of an advanced communications network for drone control and airspace surveillance with the support of the Government of Alberta (GoA), developing a UAS traffic management platform for multiple drone operations in the province.
The AIRmarket project will oversee the joint investment of more than CD4.7 million to deploy RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) infrastructure & services, while conducting four Proof of Concepts (POC) programmes with project partners.
“The deployment of dedicated spectrum for RPAS connectivity for Command & Control (C2) will complement existing cellular networks, ensuring a robust and reliable connectivity for BVLOS drone operations,” said the company in a website blog. “Combined with the network of airspace surveillance capabilities, this effort establishes the RTM system for BVLOS enabled airspace across Alberta. The RTM system offers a comprehensive, real-time situational awareness platform for all airspace stakeholders. In the near future, recognized RTM Service Providers (RSPs) will integrate with NAV CANADA, enabling seamless data exchange within the national airspace. This will become a paid commercial service for drone pilots, enhancing airspace coordination and operational efficiency.”
“We’re pioneering dedicated airspaces for commercial drone operations, enabling AI-equipped BVLOS drones to revolutionize wildfire management, agriculture, and emergency response. By integrating BVLOS capabilities with real-time AI analysis, our project is driving industry adoption through four groundbreaking Proof of Concept (POC) demonstrations, proving the value of smarter, safer, and more efficient drone applications across Alberta.”
The first POC is early wildfire detection and monitoring. In partnership with Alberta Wildfire, BVLOS drones with AI will scan and monitor fire zones, identifying and tracking potential fire locations in real-time. By integrating these drones with RTM infrastructure, AIRmarket aims to enhance Alberta Wildfire’s response efforts. POC two is delivering equipment to Remote Fire Zones. In partnership with Alberta Wildfire, heavy-lift drones will transport essential supplies to hard-to-reach wildfire areas, reducing reliance on crewed aircraft. This will streamline logistics and improve efficiency during fire emergencies. POC three is “Smarter Agriculture with Precision Drones”. Partnering with Olds College Smart Farm (OCSF) and Kinniburgh Spray Services, AIRmarket will demonstrate how AI-powered drones can analyze crop health and apply treatments precisely, helping farmers reduce waste and improve yields. Finally, POC four is “Drones as First Responders”. Working with Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) and the University of Alberta (U of A), the company will enable emergency drones to deploy quickly in Sherwood Park, providing real-time insights before responders arrive. This pilot program is expected to refine and expand first responder drone operations across the Edmonton region.
“AIRmarket is driving commercial adoption of AI-powered BVLOS drone operations by establishing RTM airspaces and demonstrating their value. With a network of 40+ infrastructure locations, we are set to support BVLOS operations across Alberta,” said the company.
Drone operations will expand to 100,000 daily flights, creating thousands of jobs and driving industry growth, contributing USD14 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP, according to company estimates.
For more information
airmarket.io
