AIRO Group Unveils New Middle-Mile Cargo Drone and Expands Operations to Quebec

AIRO Group, a leader in aerospace and defense technologies, has announced the development of a new middle-mile, medium-lift cargo drone and the expansion of its operations into the YMX Innovation Zone in Mirabel, Quebec. This initiative, led by its Electric Air Mobility segment, Jaunt Air Mobility, and its Canadian subsidiary, Jaunt Air Mobility Canada, aims to revolutionize freight transportation with an efficient, low-emission alternative to traditional methods.

The cargo drone, capable of carrying 250–500 lbs. over distances of 200+ miles, leverages Jaunt’s patented Slowed-Rotor Compound (SRC) technology. This technology combines the vertical takeoff capability of a helicopter with the cruise efficiency of a fixed-wing airplane, promising enhanced safety, performance, and efficiency in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. The development includes advanced Command & Control (C2) capabilities for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operation, supported by a modular Ground Control System (GCS) for real-time flight monitoring and mission planning.

AIRO's expansion into the YMX Innovation Zone facilitates collaboration with Vertiko Mobilité and benefits from the support of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM). This strategic move accelerates the testing, certification, and commercialization of the cargo drone, bridging the gap between design and real-world deployment. The initiative reflects AIRO's commitment to advancing AAM and delivering sustainable solutions to meet global logistics and infrastructure needs.

Martin Peryea, SVP & GM of AIRO’s Electric Air Mobility segment, highlighted the transformative potential of the cargo drone, especially for remote communities. The project builds on the success of the CORRIDAIR Project with Vertiko Mobilité, demonstrating the technology's ability to improve access to critical supplies in rural areas. Captain Joe Burns, CEO of AIRO, and Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman, emphasized the strategic importance of the cargo drone in AIRO's vision for a scalable, interoperable ecosystem in AAM.