Canadian companies Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) and Volatus Aerospace have merged.

DDC is a drone technology company focused on the design, development and implementation of its proprietary technologies for remotely piloted aircraft operations with an emphasis on cargo delivery. Volatus Aerospace operates piloted and remotely piloted drones.

They are combining the companies in a merger of equals transaction, with the combined company to continue under the name Volatus Aerospace.

Under the merger, which the boards of directors of both companies have approved, the combined company will be led by a board of directors and management team, bringing together the cultures, strengths and capabilities of both companies. Subject to customary closing conditions, the merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024.

To date, DDC has invested $40m into building drone cargo offerings that are ready to go to market. By focusing on drone services, training and equipment sales, Volatus is positioned to leverage these technologies and bring them to market. As regulations begin to enable the commercialisation of drone cargo and remote drone operations, Volatus has been planning to commercialise its efforts in air mobility.

“Drone Delivery Canada has been searching for the right partner to join us on our growth journey and we are confident that Volatus is a great fit, from a management vision point of view, industry know-how and experience,” said Steve Magirias, DDC CEO. “We were initially attracted to Volatus’ strong reputation in the industry, admirable fiscal management through a challenging capital markets environment, and vision towards generating diversified lines of revenue.”

Ian McDougall, chair of Volatus board of directors, added: “Merging with DDC will enhance our ability to offer cutting-edge technology and services to our clients and help position the combined company as a global leader. Volatus sees a tremendous opportunity to commercialise DDC’s advanced technologies, through our network of partners, Fortune 500, international mining, oil and gas, and utilities clients, further positioning the combined company as a global leader in drone technologies and services.”

Volatus (www.VolatusAerospace.com) is a provider of integrated drone offerings throughout North America and growing into Latin America and globally. It serves civil, public safety and defence markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, as well as R&D, design and manufacturing.

DDC (www.DroneDeliveryCanada.com) is a drone technology company focused on the design, development and implementation of its proprietary logistics software platform using drones. The platform is intended to be used as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for government and corporate organisations globally.