\nAIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRO), a next-generation aerospace and defense company, today announced that Jaunt, its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Vertiko Mobilit\u00e9 for the proposed purchase of 10 JC250 drones and a strategic collaboration to develop autonomous cargo logistics operations in Canada using Jaunt\u2019s JC250 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned heavy-lift cargo drone.<\/p>\n
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20261109441781\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n \nThe collaboration envisions an initial deployment of the 10 JC250 drones, which would represent an estimated value of $15\u201320 million, based on Jaunt\u2019s current indicative pricing. These drones are intended to initially support logistics services for First Nations communities in Quebec and continued operational testing, with plans to subsequently integrate them into a broader logistics network developed from Mirabel.<\/p>\n \nAn initial focus will be the Atikamekw community of Manawan, where Vertiko is working to establish an aerial logistics corridor connecting the community with the Joliette region. The initiative aims to improve access to essential goods, medical supplies, and other cargo in communities where conventional transportation can be costly, time-consuming, or constrained by geography and weather.<\/p>\n \nThe JC250 combines vertical takeoff and landing capability with efficient forward flight, enabling cargo operations without the need for conventional runway infrastructure. Its capabilities are particularly well suited to connecting remote communities and supporting regional logistics networks.<\/p>\n \n\u201cPartnering with Vertiko is an important step toward bringing the JC250 into commercial cargo operations,\u201d said Dr. Simon Briceno, Chief Commercial Officer, Jaunt. \u201cOur initial focus is on supporting First Nations communities with reliable, flexible logistics solutions while continuing to demonstrate the drone\u2019s capabilities. We see significant opportunities to build on these initial operations and expand into regional cargo networks across Quebec and Ontario.\u201d<\/p>\n \nMirabel will serve as a strategic hub for the partnership\u2019s future logistics operations. The existing facilities of the FBO Helibellule at Mirabel provide an established aviation infrastructure base for drone testing, operational development, and future cargo services. The location also benefits from its proximity to Jaunt\u2019s drone development facilities and Greater Montreal\u2019s aerospace industry.<\/p>\n \nBuilding on the initial First Nations applications, Jaunt and Vertiko intend to explore expanding JC250 cargo operations throughout the Greater Montreal region, connecting distribution points, businesses, and communities through more flexible cargo mobility services.<\/p>\n \nThe longer-term vision includes supporting a proposed autonomous drone logistics corridor extending from Windsor, Ontario, to Montreal, Quebec. Such a network could connect major economic centers across the region, enabling drone-based cargo transportation between logistics hubs and supporting the development of more integrated regional supply chains.<\/p>\n \n\u201cThrough our collaboration with Jaunt, we are taking an important step toward establishing a new model for cargo transportation in Quebec,\u201d said John Valley, President of Vertiko. \u201cOur initial focus on the Atikamekw community of Manawan reflects our commitment to developing practical logistics solutions that improve connectivity and access to essential goods and services. By combining Jaunt\u2019s JC250 drones with Vertiko\u2019s operational expertise and existing aviation infrastructure in Mirabel, we see an opportunity to build a scalable drone logistics network that can ultimately serve communities and businesses across Quebec and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n \nThe companies expect to continue refining operational requirements, conducting testing and demonstrations, and coordinating the activities necessary to support future commercial deployments. The letter of intent is not a firm order, requires no deposit, and either party may terminate it at any time. Any purchase of JC250 drones will occur only under a definitive purchase agreement, including final pricing of the JC250 drones, which remains subject to negotiation between the companies. These deployments also remain subject to drone readiness, applicable regulatory and internal approvals, and arrangements with relevant operators and stakeholders.<\/p>\n About Jaunt<\/b><\/p>\n \nJaunt is a core business segment of AIRO, focused on the development of next-generation vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for defense and dual-use applications.<\/p>\n About AIRO<\/b><\/p>\n \nAIRO Group Holdings is a next-generation aerospace and defense platform driving innovation across defense and commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Denmark, AIRO combines a global reach with deep technical expertise.<\/p>\n \nThrough an integrated model, AIRO delivers mission-critical solutions centered on its drone platforms, leveraging advanced avionics, integrated training capabilities, and embedded autonomy across systems.<\/p>\n About Vertiko Mobilit\u00e9<\/b><\/p>\n \nVertiko Mobilit\u00e9 is a Quebec-based company specializing in the development and operation of Advanced Air Mobility solutions. It deploys and operates drone-based aerial services, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships. Through its operational expertise and ability to integrate emerging technologies, Vertiko Mobilit\u00e9 contributes to the development of an innovative aerospace ecosystem and the emergence of new aerial services across Quebec.<\/p>\n Forward-Looking Statements<\/b><\/p>\n \nThe statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as \u201cbelieves,\u201d \u201cexpects,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cseeks,\u201d \u201cintends,\u201d \u201cplans,\u201d \u201cestimates,\u201d or \u201canticipates,\u201d or similar expressions which concern our strategy, plans, projections or intentions. These forward-looking statements may be included throughout this press release and include, but are not limited to, the expected timing of full-scale production of the JX250 and JC250; AIRO’s ability to leverage its existing manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain capabilities; the development, testing, scaling, production, deployment, performance and capabilities of the JX250 and JC250; customer interest in, demand for, market acceptance of and deployment opportunities for the JX250 and JC250 and AIRO’s other drone platforms; the proposed purchase of JC250 drones by Vertiko Mobilit\u00e9, including the negotiation and execution of a definitive purchase agreement and the number, pricing, timing and deployment of any drones purchased; the timing and scope of any logistics network or logistics corridor; AIRO\u2019s ability to compete across a broader set of mission requirements and grow its global defense platform; and other statements that are not historical fact. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify, including the risk that Jaunt and Vertiko Mobilit\u00e9 do not enter into a definitive purchase agreement on the terms contemplated by the letter of intent or at all; the readiness of the JC250 for commercial cargo operations; Vertiko Mobilit\u00e9\u2019s ability to fund any purchase; the timing and receipt of required regulatory approvals in Canada; and those described in the section titled \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in AIRO\u2019s most recent Annual Report on Form 10\u2011K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d), as well as other filings AIRO may make with the SEC in the future. Forward-looking statements represent AIRO\u2019s management\u2019s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date such statements are made. AIRO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20261109441781\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Investor Relations Contact Media Contact KEYWORDS:<\/b> United States North America Canada<\/p>\n INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:<\/b> Other Defense Contracts White House\/Federal Government Construction & Property Aerospace State\/Local Manufacturing Technology Defense Public Policy\/Government Drones Air Transport Urban Planning Logistics\/Supply Chain Management Engineering<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20261109441781\/en\/2964220\/4\/Vertiko-aerial-compressed.jpg\")
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Jack Senft
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AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
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InvestorRelations@theairogroup.com<\/a><\/p>\n
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Dan Johnson
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AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
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media@theairogroup.com<\/a><\/p>\n
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