Dufour Aerospace is pleased to announce the continuation of its collaboration with Volatus Aerospace Inc. to develop runway-independent logistics capabilities for operations in remote, infrastructure-limited, and challenging environments.
Since the partnership was announced in early 2025, both teams have moved from initial alignment into hands-on capability development, with a shared focus on operational readiness. The collaboration centers on adapting Dufour Aerospace’s hybrid eVTOL platform into a medium-payload logistics solution designed to operate where conventional runway access is limited or unavailable, including Arctic, defence, and commercial contexts.
At Dufour Aerospace, aircraft are designed around real operational needs rather than theoretical use cases. Working closely with Volatus provides valuable insight into how hybrid eVTOL systems can be integrated into complex missions, supported by appropriate training structures, and aligned with regulatory and operational realities. This operator-led perspective helps ensure that platform development remains closely connected to how aircraft are actually used in the field, particularly in environments where infrastructure is sparse and margins for error are small.
A key element of this work is the recent installation of a dedicated simulator at Volatus’ Toronto facility. The simulator supports pilot training, mission rehearsal, and operational concept development, helping bridge the gap between aircraft development and deployable capability. It enables structured evaluation of runway-independent logistics missions across both government and commercial use cases, supporting informed decisions as the collaboration progresses.
The collaboration is focused on understanding how hybrid eVTOL logistics can support a range of demanding operational contexts. These include cold-weather and remote regions, public-sector and defence resupply missions where runway access is constrained or unavailable, and commercial applications such as critical infrastructure support, remote industrial operations, and emergency response.
Across all of these use cases, the emphasis remains on resilience, flexibility, and operational suitability rather than headline performance metrics.
“Working with Volatus provides valuable operational insight as we continue to mature our hybrid eVTOL platform,” said Sascha Hardegger, CEO of Dufour Aerospace. “The partnership supports the development of practical, deployable logistics solutions that address both government and commercial requirements.”
This shared focus on real-world applicability ensures that platform development remains closely aligned with operational, training, and regulatory needs.
As uncrewed and hybrid-electric aviation continues to transition from development into real-world operations, the importance of collaboration between aircraft manufacturers and experienced operators is becoming increasingly clear. Understanding training requirements, operational concepts, and regulatory considerations early on is essential to building logistics capabilities that can be deployed reliably and responsibly.
Through its collaboration with Volatus, Dufour Aerospace is continuing to follow this practical path to deployment, ensuring that runway-independent logistics solutions are shaped by how and where they will ultimately be used.
Dufour Aerospace is pioneering drones for critical missions. Based in Switzerland, Dufour Aerospace develops and manufactures efficient and sustainable aircraft for cargo transportation, logistics, and public safety. The Aero-200 drone features distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid module to meet today’s Advanced Air Mobility and medium-sized drone market requirements.
Contact: media@dufour.aero
More info: www.dufour.aero
Volatus Aerospace is a global provider of integrated aerial solutions for commercial and defence applications, leveraging both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). The Company serves industries including oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Volatus’ mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and resilience through real-world, scalable aerial technologies.
Contact: info@volatusaerospace.com
More info: https://volatusaerospace.com/
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ABOUT DUFOUR AEROSPACE:
Dufour Aerospace is pioneering drones for critical missions. Based in Switzerland, Dufour develops and manufactures efficient and sustainable aircraft for cargo transportation, logistics, and public safety. The Aero-200 drone features distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid module to meet today’s Advanced Air Mobility and medium-sized drone market requirements.
