Canada Unveils Groundbreaking Drone Safety Initiative
The drone industry is rapidly expanding, with new companies and initiatives emerging every day. A …
25. July 2025
Canada Unveils Groundbreaking Drone Traffic Management System
Canada Launches First Real-World Trials of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Traffic Management in Alberta
The Canadian government has taken a significant step towards developing a comprehensive system for safely integrating drones into the national airspace. The iART Alliance, a coalition of industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions, has launched the Alberta RTM Trials – Operational Evaluation (iART-OE) in the Greater Edmonton Region. This marks Canada’s first major effort to evaluate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Traffic Management (RTM) services in real-world conditions.
The increasing use of drones for various applications, including aerial photography, inspection, and emergency response, has led to a growing need for safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. However, the lack of standardized RTM systems has hindered the development of this technology. The Alberta RTM Trials aim to address this issue by testing and refining RTM services in real-world conditions.
The trials bring together a broad coalition of industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions. The goal is to enable the safe use of drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) by testing and refining RTM services. This trial marks the first time that two RTM providers—OneSky and AIRmarket—will operate simultaneously in Canada.
The Alberta RTM interoperability trials will test how multiple RTM platforms can safely share and coordinate Canadian airspace. The project builds on the UTM work previously done in Dallas, Texas, using open-source tools to evaluate interoperability. This trial represents a pivotal step towards building the digital infrastructure Canada needs to safely scale BVLOS drone operations.
The Alberta RTM Trials are a collaborative effort between industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions. The project officially launched with a safety briefing on July 18 at AIRmarket’s Edmonton offices. The meeting brought together a wide range of airspace users and regulators, including Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, Edmonton International Airport, and first responders.
Participating organizations are grouped into three categories: operators, participants, and observers. Among the drone operators are Strathcona County Emergency Services and Edmonton Fire Rescue. Observers include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Edmonton Police Service. Alberta Health Services and various airport and heliport operators have also been briefed.
These diverse stakeholders are helping shape a shared approach to RTM communications, procedures, and integration, as Canada moves toward a national RTM system. AIRmarket is a Canadian company that works closely with Transport Canada and NAV CANADA on RTM innovation. Their tools support BVLOS operations with airspace surveillance, a secure command-and-control network, and FLYsafe solutions.
OneSky delivers global Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) technology for air navigation providers, regulators, and drone operators. Their platform offers flight approvals, airspace status updates, and tracking tools to ensure safe and compliant drone operations. With the success of this trial, Canada can move forward with implementing a national RTM system that will enable safe and efficient BVLOS drone operations.
This system will provide a framework for coordination and communication between drone operators, regulators, and airspace users, ensuring that drones can operate safely and efficiently across the country. The Alberta RTM Trials represent an exciting development in the future of drone technology in Canada. As the use of drones continues to grow, it is essential that we have a comprehensive system for safely integrating these aircraft into our airspace.
The trial marks an important step towards achieving this goal. With the support of government agencies and industry leaders, Canada can move forward with implementing a national RTM system that will enable safe and efficient BVLOS drone operations. This system will provide a framework for coordination and communication between drone operators, regulators, and airspace users, ensuring that drones can operate safely and efficiently across the country.
The Alberta RTM Trials represent a new era of drone operations in Canada. As we move forward with implementing this trial, it is essential that we continue to work together to develop and refine our systems for safe drone operations. With the success of this trial, Canada can look forward to a future where drones are safely integrated into our airspace, providing numerous benefits for industries such as construction, agriculture, and emergency response.
Dan Juhlin, the Principal Consultant of Juhlin Remote Pilot Consulting (JRPC), brings unparalleled end-to-end expertise in GIS/remote sensing and over a decade at the forefront of the Canadian RPAS landscape. With 15 years of experience in GIS/remote sensing and a deep understanding of the complexities of drone technology, Dan Juhlin is uniquely positioned to provide value to clients looking to navigate the regulatory landscape.
As an expert in aerial systems and spatial data, Dan Juhlin can help organizations develop effective strategies for integrating drones into their operations. With his extensive knowledge of Canadian regulations and market dynamics, he can also help clients navigate the complexities of the CARs Part IX system. Juhlin Remote Pilot Consulting (JRPC) empowers Canadian organizations to achieve strategic leadership in the new aerial technology landscape.
Based in Alberta, Canada, JRPC provides integrated strategic advisory services at the intersection of aerial technology systems (drones/AAM), advanced spatial intelligence (GIS), and strategic navigation of the Canadian regulatory and market landscape. With Dan Juhlin’s expertise, JRPC delivers clear, data-driven strategies grounded in real-world operational, manufacturing, and policy realities.
By providing expert guidance on drone technology, regulations, and spatial intelligence, JRPC helps clients transform complex spatial challenges into market success. For more information about the Alberta RTM Trials or to get involved, please visit AIRmarket’s contact page. To learn more about Dan Juhlin’s expertise and services, visit his profile at www.Juhlin.ca.