AIRmarket and Alberta’s Historic Investment in Drone Management
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – AIRmarket Inc. is spearheading the creation of a pioneering communications network for drone oversight and airspace monitoring, backed by the Government of Alberta (GoA). This innovative project establishes a precedent in Canada for “Air Traffic Control for Drones” throughout the province.
The AIRmarket initiative encompasses a joint funding of over $4.7 million to implement RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) infrastructure and services, alongside four lighthouse Proof of Concepts (POCs) involving collaboration with:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Olds College Smart Farm
- Kininburg Spray
- Strathcona County Emergency Services
- University of Alberta
- Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada
This venture is set to revolutionize the forestry, agriculture, and emergency response sectors by facilitating RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) airspaces that support Beyond Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This capability will enhance commercial drone applications across various industries in Alberta. For more insights, visit our blog post.
Quote from Leadership
“Thanks to the generous contributions from the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), this project introduces an Enablement Platform aimed at reducing emissions on an industrial scale, representing a significant transformation for Alberta and beyond,” stated Lindsay Mohr, Founder & CEO of AIRmarket.
Transforming the Drone Industry in Alberta
This ambitious project signifies the establishment of a novel industry segment in Alberta. By deploying spectrum dedicated to RPAS connectivity in Command & Control (C2), the initiative complements existing cellular networks, ensuring a strong and reliable infrastructure for BVLOS drone operations. Coupled with an enhanced airspace surveillance system, this has laid the groundwork for RTM-enabled airspace across Alberta, fostering POC projects in wildfire management, agriculture, and Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs.
Moreover, this marks Canada’s inaugural pan-provincial RTM implementation, in accordance with NAV CANADA’s RTM Ecosystem: Concept of Operations, which was developed with input from Transport Canada. By positioning Alberta as a leading airspace for drone innovation, this initiative aims to attract businesses, stimulate investment, and create high-quality employment opportunities in the burgeoning RPAS sector.
Environmental and Economic Impact
By enabling BVLOS drone operations, the project is anticipated to significantly diminish emissions by substituting fuel-dependent aircraft and land vehicles used in forestry, agriculture, and emergency response scenarios. This advancement not only boosts operational effectiveness but also reduces environmental impact, ultimately enhancing Alberta’s industries and establishing them as frontrunners in sustainability and innovation.
Integration with Government Initiatives
The AIRmarket project is among the 15 initiatives supported by the GoA through Emissions Reduction Alberta. The government is committing approximately $65 million to foster innovation, leveraging over $228 million in both public and private funding. These strategic investments are designed to enhance the provincial economy, increase competitiveness, and generate employment across established and emerging industries.
About AIRmarket
AIRmarket has emerged as a leader in redefining airspace management in Canada with its RTM framework. The company is dedicated to establishing drone traffic control systems to ensure safe integration of drones into national airspace for BVLOS flight operations. AIRmarket envisions becoming Canada’s first recognized RTM Service Provider (RSP) by Transport Canada and NAV Canada.
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