VERTIKO Mobility, Jaunt Air Mobility and their partners are collaborating on an R&D development project to create an air corridor for advanced air mobility, including drones and ultimately air taxis.
Mirabel, Quebec – September 8, 2023 – As part of the actions taken by the aeronautics sector for sustainable aviation and the district of the future presented during the Volaria aeronautical event, VERTIKO Mobility is proud to publicly announce the launch of a structuring project that will be used to enter into service drone and eVTOL flights, in the niche of advanced air mobility. The project’s first on-the-ground initiative is the deployment of a research and development corridor linking the City of Joliette to the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan. The aim is to set up the necessary facilities for the development and operation of new electrically powered air vectors such as the Jaunt Journey.
“This achievement opens the door to a new world of opportunity and collaboration for players in the Canadian aerospace ecosystem,” said Yannick Richard, Executive Vice President, and John Valley, President of Vertiko Mobility. “We are pleased to see the launch of this unifying project for the entire industry while highlighting Indigenous regions and communities.”
The deployment of an air corridor will address a critical need in the Manawan community for faster access to health care and medicines. The gravel road linking Manawan to Saint-Michel-des-Saints is perilous and has been implicated in several tragedies. “Manawan supports this project to develop an air mobility corridor that will ultimately allow our community easier access to medication and emergency treatment,” says Paul-Émile Ottawa, Vice-Chief of the Manawan Attikamek Council.
The development of the ecosystem is supported by Aéro Montréal, the Consortium de Recherche et d’Innovation en Aérospatiale du Québec (CRIAQ), as well as the Drone Niche of Excellence. Three major areas of research and development are underway: the drone or air taxi, the vertiport, and the control and management system. Eric Côté, president of Jaunt Canada, stated, “This is an important step in the development and deployment of Advanced Air Mobility.”
About Vertiko Mobility
Vertiko Mobility is a Quebec-based company created in 2021, backed by a holding of Quebec companies and investors, whose vision is to reconnect regions with urban centers through the creation of a network of vertiports throughout Quebec and local networks for metropolises (advanced air mobility). To make this business model accessible, Vertiko Mobility’s mission is to create an ecosystem of cutting-edge companies, and to implement an innovative real estate strategy that will accommodate the vertiport network as it develops. Visit the Vertiko website for more information: www.vertikomobilite.ca.
About Jaunt Air Mobility
Jaunt Air Mobility LLC is a transformative aerospace company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with design and manufacturing located in Montreal, Canada. Jaunt is building the next generation of eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for faster, quieter, and safer travel over urban areas, moving people and cargo. Jaunt is the global leader in developing Slowed Rotor Compound (SRC) technology. Jaunt has teamed with Tier 1 aerospace partners to develop the Jaunt Journey and work with global operators to provide this new form of travel. Jaunt offers an operationally efficient aircraft with a zero-carbon footprint. Jaunt is a subsidiary and recognized global brand of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (AIRO). AIRO is a mid-tier aerospace and defense company offering industry-leading technology and services in electric air mobility, advanced avionics, uncrewed air systems, and training uniquely capable of addressing a broad spectrum of aerospace markets. For more information, visit www.jauntairmobility.com and www.theairogroup.com.
