ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) has announced that its subsidiary, ZenaDrone, has commenced aerial operations to launch commercial drone services in the United States. This milestone comes after the company received Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) exemption approval, marking a significant advancement in the commercialization of drone technology.
ZenaDrone will initially set up Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) operations through its Phoenix, Arizona office. The company's ZenaDrone 1000 product will be made available to customers for various applications, including land surveying, inspection, monitoring, and tracking. These operations will allow the company to accumulate flight hours and airworthiness accreditation necessary for full commercial operations.
The company is also in the process of applying for an aerial spraying license (14 CFR Part 137) from the FAA. This license would enable the use of ZenaDrone 1000 for agricultural purposes such as plant nourishment, soil treatment, and pest control.
Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech, expressed excitement about the commencement of operations for commercial services and revenue generation in the US. He noted that this development could pave the way for similar regulatory approvals in other countries where the company seeks to operate.
The FAA exemption granted to ZenaDrone allows for visual line-of-sight commercial applications and data collection in the US, subject to specific conditions and limitations. This approval enables live testing, evaluation, and demonstration of ZenaDrone 1000 with US-based customers and partners. The company also plans to begin testing for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) use at an overseas location in the coming months.
The launch of commercial drone services by ZenaDrone represents a significant step forward in the integration of drone technology into various industries. The potential applications of this technology in agriculture, surveillance, inspection, and delivery services could lead to increased efficiency and cost savings across multiple sectors. As the drone industry continues to evolve, this development may serve as a catalyst for further innovation and regulatory advancements in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
