Volatus partners with KI Reforestation for aerial seeding program

Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV: FLT, OTCQB: TAKOF, FSE: ABB.F) announced a partnership with KI Reforestation to deploy its Condor XL remotely piloted helicopter for aerial seeding operations across Canada's fire-impacted forests.

The Condor XL can carry up to 180 kilograms over 200 kilometers and will disperse biodegradable seedpods developed by Toronto-based KI Reforestation. The partnership addresses reforestation needs following recent Canadian wildfires that burned more than 18 million hectares in 2023 and 2024.

"Climate change is accelerating the frequency and severity of wildfires, destroying forest ecosystems at a scale that cannot be reversed by traditional planting alone," said Trevor Grant, CEO of KI Reforestation. "Aerial seeding with the Condor XL allows us to reforest thousands of hectares quickly and cost-effectively, using precision-dispersed seedpods engineered to thrive in post-burn soils."

Volatus received Special Flight Operating Approval to test the Condor XL at its Ontario facility. The trials will validate the dispersal system being developed in combination with KI's seedpods. Earlier trials using piloted helicopters showed strong germination rates and environmental resilience.

Flight testing is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, with commercial seeding operations planned for 2026. The initiative supports Canada's 2 Billion Trees Program.

"Partnering with Ki Reforestation aligns perfectly with our mission to apply aerospace innovation to global sustainability challenges," said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. "The Condor XL has the payload, range, and precision needed to scale reforestation efforts and restore ecosystems more efficiently than any other method available today."

The companies see potential for global expansion beyond Canada and noted that reforested land can sequester 5-10 tonnes of CO₂ annually per hectare, potentially generating $75-$200 per hectare yearly at current carbon credit prices.

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