13 Feb
AIRmarket and Alberta Invest $4.7M in Canada’s First RPAS Traffic Management System to Accelerate the Drone Economy and Cut Emissions
AIRmarket is leading the development of an advanced communications network for drone control and airspace surveillance with the support of the Government of Alberta (GoA) and Emissions Reductions Alberta (ERA). This groundbreaking initiative lays the foundation for “Air Traffic Control for Drones” across Alberta, marking a first-of-its-kind deployment in Canada.
Link to Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta news releases.
What’s the Big Idea?
By 2050, Alberta will see 100,000 daily drone flights, and AIRmarket is at the forefront of this transformation—reshaping airspace for a greener, more efficient future across all industries.
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.
How Does Air Traffic Control for Drones Work?
RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) services form the foundation of the “Air Traffic Control for Drones” solution.
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. 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.
These four Proof of Concept projects are paving the way for industry-wide adoption of advanced drone operations in wildfire management, agriculture, and emergency response—driving commercial integration while reducing Alberta’s GHG footprint.
POC 1: 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, we aim to enhance Alberta Wildfire’s response efforts.
POC 2: 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 3: Smarter Agriculture with Precision Drones
Partnering with Olds College Smart Farm (OCSF) and Kinniburgh Spray Services, we’ll showcase how AI-powered drones can analyze crop health and apply treatments precisely, helping farmers reduce waste and improve yields.
POC 4: Drones as First Responders
Working with Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) and the University of Alberta (U of A), we’ll 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.
The Big Picture
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.
Impacts: GHG, Economic
The impact of this project is signficant on Alberta environment & econmomy. The use of drones verse traditional methods will generate nearly 90 tonnes of C02e savings a year*.
Drone operations will expand to 100,000 daily flights, creating thousands of jobs and driving industry growth, contributing $14 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP.
*Estimated by Brightspot – September 2024
“With the generous funding from the Government of Alberta & Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), the project delivers an Enablement Platform for reducing Emissions on Industrial Scale … and represents a true transformational project for Alberta, and beyond….”
Lindsay Mohr, Founder / CEO / CTO of AIRmarket
Project Partners
Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of autonomous aviation!
Interested in learning more or partnering with us? Get in touch at airmarket.io
