The cargo airline startup developing software for autonomous flight will provide Transport Canada with an aircraft along with remote crew and maintenance services to sustain autonomous cargo flights for one year.
Transport Canada will use the data to develop future aviation regulations, standards and policies.
Ribbit says the technology is a solution to pressing logistical issues facing northern communities and businesses.
Carl Pigeon, CEO of Ribbit, says, “Many rural and remote areas are served by larger airplanes that fly infrequently. Ribbit takes a smaller aircraft and uses autonomy to drastically change the unit economics of that plane. This lets us offer reliable next-day or two-day service and improve supply chains.”
Ribbit has completed over 200 hours of hands-free flights on a two-seat aircraft and is advancing operational testing in preparation for commercial service.
Last year, Ribbit was issued with a Special Flight Operations Certificate authorising uncrewed flight tests and it has received letters of intent from leading retailers totalling C$42 million a year.
Jeremy Wang, COO of Ribbit, says, “We have been working with government, community, and private partners to ensure this technology will serve a real need. We are excited to enable a future where anybody can ship and receive goods quickly and reliably no matter where they are.”
Shipping time-sensitive goods to northern Canada will be the initial focus and the long-term vision is to use autonomous aircraft for a wide range of cargo operations and aerial work.
Wang says, “Be it air cargo, asset monitoring, or maritime patrol, we have identified several applications for the technology. Customers appreciate our ability to understand their operations deeply—then reimagine them with autonomy.”