AIRO Group Holdings’s Jaunt, a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Vertiko Mobilité for the proposed purchase of 10 JC250 drones and a strategic collaboration to develop autonomous cargo logistics operations in Canada using Jaunt’s JC250 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned heavy-lift cargo drone.
“The collaboration envisions an initial deployment of the 10 JC250 drones, which would represent an estimated value of CD15–20 million, based on Jaunt’s current indicative pricing,” said AIRO in a press release. “These drones are intended to initially support logistics services for First Nations communities in Quebec and continued operational testing, with plans to subsequently integrate them into a broader logistics network developed from Mirabel.
“An initial focus will be the Atikamekw community of Manawan, where Vertiko is working to establish an aerial logistics corridor connecting the community with the Joliette region. The initiative aims to improve access to essential goods, medical supplies, and other cargo in communities where conventional transportation can be costly, time-consuming, or constrained by geography and weather. The JC250 combines vertical takeoff and landing capability with efficient forward flight, enabling cargo operations without the need for conventional runway infrastructure. Its capabilities are particularly well suited to connecting remote communities and supporting regional logistics networks.”
Mirabel will serve as a strategic hub for the partnership’s future logistics operations, say the companies. The existing facilities of the FBO Helibellule at Mirabel provide an established aviation infrastructure base for drone testing, operational development, and future cargo services. The location also benefits from its proximity to Jaunt’s drone development facilities and Greater Montreal’s aerospace industry. Building on the initial First Nations applications, Jaunt and Vertiko intend to explore expanding JC250 cargo operations throughout the Greater Montreal region, connecting distribution points, businesses, and communities through more flexible cargo mobility services.
The longer-term vision includes supporting a proposed autonomous drone logistics corridor extending from Windsor, Ontario, to Montreal, Quebec.
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(Image: ARIO)