What’s Ahead for 2025

Welcome to the third edition of AERIUM’s Alliance!

We sat down with JC to talk about the big changes coming in 2025 and what they mean for AERIUM and the industries we serve.

Jordan, before we dive into 2025, could you walk us through some of the key highlights from 2024?

2024 was an amazing year for us. A huge highlight of this statement was winning the Aerial Evolution Award in 2024.

This award celebrates our work as a team in drone technology and the impact we’re making in industries like aviation, forestry, energy, and mining.

It’s a big team win, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone at AERIUM.

Another important milestone to celebrate is ICAO’s 80th anniversary this past December.

For 80 years, the International Civil Aviation Organization has led the way in making aviation safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. Their work inspires us as we continue to innovate and create solutions that meet global aviation standards.

Now, looking ahead to 2025, what do you see as the biggest shift in the drone technology industry?

The biggest change is the new BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) regulations coming this fall. These rules will open 85-90% of Canada for drone operations. It’s a game-changer because it means drones can finally operate in large, remote areas the way they’re meant to.

 

Could you tell us more about how BVLOS will impact industries like energy, airports, forestry, and mining?

It’s going to transform how these industries work.

• Energy: Drones streamline transmission line inspections and utility monitoring, saving time and improving safety. They also assist with wildlife sweeps, especially in the Pre-Construction phase, ensuring environmental compliance and protecting local ecosystems.
• Airports: Drones enhance wildlife management, improve perimeter security, and speed up runway inspections. They also support foreign object detection (FOD), assess taxiways and apron markings, and provide real-time data for more efficient operations.
• Forestry: Drones will help monitor forest health, track wildlife, and manage resources more efficiently.
• Mining: We’ll see advancements in site surveys, stockpile measurements, and environmental monitoring.

Across all these sectors, BVLOS will make operations faster, safer, and more cost-effective.

 

Are there challenges with these new regulations?

Definitely. With more freedom comes more responsibility. Companies will need to invest in detect-and-avoid systems and follow stricter safety protocols. Some operators may even need to get certified as complex operators. It’s a big change, but if you prepare for it, the opportunities are incredible.

Let’s talk about RoBird. What’s the latest?

This year, we’ve been rolling out updates to RoBird™. The initial release came out in April 2023, and since then, we’ve made three big updates with new features that include:

• Longer battery life: It can now fly up to 10 minutes longer.
• Improved transmitter (Jeti DS-12): Easier to use with more features.
• Better motor reliability: It’s more durable and performs better.
• Smoother glides: The transition from flying to gliding is quicker and more reliable.
• Map view integration: Operators can now see a map directly on the transmitter for better situational awareness.

These updates make RoBird more efficient and reliable, which is exactly what our partners need. And with RoBird constantly evolving, we’re committed to delivering even better performance and features to meet the growing demands of our industry. A new era for the drone-industry begins.

Getting Ready for the Future

What other key trends do you see shaping the drone industry in 2025?

Automation and AI are the big ones. We’re seeing more demand for real-time data and autonomous systems. These technologies will change how industries approach problem-solving and decision-making.

 

How is AERIUM preparing for these changes?

Internally, we’re making sure every team is ready—from operations to digital services. Externally, we’re strengthening partnerships and sharing success stories to inspire collaboration. 2025 is all about being ready for what’s next, and we’re excited to lead the way.

 

Stay tuned for updates on RoBird, agricultural trials, and other projects as we continue to push boundaries and innovate.