New Mexico drone company Robotic Skies Inc. is partnering with a Dutch manufacturer.
The company announced it was working with drone producer Avy — Drones for Good to "develop a field support program" for Avy's increasing fleet of autonomous aircraft. The program aims to maintain the fleet for use in medical and humanitarian flight operations.
“As we look towards expanding our operations, it makes sense for us to build industry partnerships that can help us quickly advance our growth initiatives on a global scale. Robotic Skies has the added benefit of meeting any maintenance-related regulatory requirements," said Patrique Zaman, founder and CEO of Avy, in a statement. The Amsterdam-based company works with emissions-free aircraft tech for first response and search and rescue operations, medical deliveries and nature conservation, the release says.
For Robotic Skies, the deal comes not long after new funding was disclosed. The Albuquerque company offers drone maintenance, inspection and repair services. It pays drone service centers for work performed for customers. It has more than 225 service centers in 50 countries, according to the company.
"Drone systems like the Avy Aera are built to withstand harsh environments and demanding missions. However, even these high-performing systems still need proper preventive care, and sometimes unexpected repair work, to keep them operating their best,” said Brad Hayden, founder and CEO of Robotic Skies, in a press release issued Sunday. “We are thrilled to work with Avy and to provide them with the peace of mind that they will have the fast, professional, and high-quality support they need, anywhere in the world they operate.”
Late last year, Robotic Skies disclosed nearly $1.9 million in new investment. The company was going to use the money to continue to grow its network of service centers and customer base, Hayden told Business First. The company was also further developing what it called its "technology stack," or platform used to manage repairs, he said.
All in all, Securities and Exchange Commission filings indicate Robotic Skies has raised more than $4.8 million.
The company also caught the eye of aviation giant Boeing, which previously invested an undisclosed amount of money into Robotic Skies, Business First reported. Prior to the deal, Robotic Skies had teamed with Boeing, along with subsidiaries Jeppesen and Aviall, to "develop and deliver" supply chain management and optimization, analytics, maintenance and repair services for the commercial and civil drone markets, according to a release from Boeing.
In January, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Hayden's appointment to its drone advisory committee. The committee helps to create a broad strategy for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems, according to the FAA.
