Jaunt, the Canadian subsidiary of AIRO Group Holdings, has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Quebec operator Vertiko Mobilité covering the proposed purchase of 10 JC250 cargo drones, AIRO announced November 9.
The JC250 is an uncrewed heavy-lift cargo aircraft that takes off and lands vertically and then flies forward efficiently, so it does not need a runway. AIRO puts the value of the 10 drones at an estimated $15 million to $20 million, based on Jaunt’s current indicative pricing.
The first focus is the Atikamekw community of Manawan, where Vertiko is working on an aerial logistics corridor to the Joliette region. The aim is to make it easier to get essential goods, medical supplies and other cargo to communities where ground transport can be expensive, slow or limited by geography and weather. The drones would also be used for continued operational testing.
Mirabel would be the hub for the partnership, using the existing facilities of FBO Helibellule for testing, operational development and future cargo services, close to Jaunt’s drone development sites. Later, the companies want to look at cargo routes around Greater Montreal and, over the longer term, a proposed autonomous drone logistics corridor from Windsor, Ontario, to Montreal.
Simon Briceno, Jaunt’s chief commercial officer, called the partnership an important step toward bringing the JC250 into commercial cargo operations. Vertiko president John Valley said the companies see a chance to build a drone logistics network that could grow beyond Quebec.
The letter of intent is not a firm order. No deposit is required and either side can end it at any time. Any purchase would need a definitive agreement with final pricing, and deployment also depends on drone readiness and regulatory and internal approvals.
Source: AIRO Group Holdings via Business Wire, November 9, 2026.
Image: AIRO Group / Jaunt