ZenaTech Signs Offer to Acquire a Flight School Enabling Complex BVLOS Missions and Potential Drone as a Service (DaaS) US Government and Military Contracts
ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) has signed an offer to acquire a Florida-based FAA-certified flight school that provides training for FAA Part 61 certification and complex BVLOS drone operations. This strategic acquisition positions ZenaTech to build an internal team of Part 61-certified pilots, essential for specialized government and military drone contracts.
The company's flagship ZenaDrone 1000, a VTOL drone capable of carrying ~40kg, has already completed paid trials with the US Air Force and Navy Reserve for critical field cargo delivery. The acquisition aligns with evolving FAA regulations for BVLOS operations and positions ZenaTech to expand its Drone as a Service (DaaS) capabilities in government, defense, and commercial markets.
ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) ha firmato un'offerta per acquisire una scuola di volo della Florida certificata dalla FAA che fornisce formazione per la certificazione FAA Part 61 e per complesse operazioni drone BVLOS. Questa acquisizione strategica consente a ZenaTech di creare un team interno di piloti certificati Part 61, essenziali per contratti specializzati nel settore governativo e militare dei droni.
Il prodotto di punta dell'azienda, il ZenaDrone 1000, un drone VTOL in grado di trasportare circa 40 kg, ha già completato prove a pagamento con la US Air Force e la Navy Reserve per la consegna di carichi critici sul campo. L'acquisizione è in linea con l'evoluzione delle normative FAA per le operazioni BVLOS e mette ZenaTech nelle condizioni di ampliare le proprie capacità di Drone as a Service (DaaS) nei mercati governativi, della difesa e commerciali.
ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) ha firmado una oferta para adquirir una escuela de vuelo con certificación FAA con sede en Florida que ofrece formación para la certificación FAA Parte 61 y operaciones dron BVLOS complejas. Esta adquisición estratégica posiciona a ZenaTech para crear un equipo interno de pilotos certificados bajo la Parte 61, esenciales para contratos especializados de drones en el ámbito gubernamental y militar.
El modelo estrella de la compañía, el ZenaDrone 1000, un dron VTOL capaz de transportar aproximadamente 40 kg, ya completó ensayos remunerados con la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. y la Reserva Naval para la entrega de carga crítica en el campo. La adquisición se alinea con la evolución de las regulaciones de la FAA para operaciones BVLOS y coloca a ZenaTech en posición de ampliar sus capacidades de Drone as a Service (DaaS) en los mercados gubernamental, de defensa y comercial.
ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA)는 플로리다에 본사를 둔 FAA 인증 비행학교를 인수하기로 제안서에 서명했습니다. 해당 학교는 FAA Part 61 자격 취득 교육과 복잡한 BVLOS 드론 운용 교육을 제공합니다. 이번 전략적 인수로 ZenaTech는 정부 및 군 관련 전문 드론 계약에 필수적인 Part 61 자격 보유 내부 조종사 팀을 구축할 수 있게 됩니다.
회사의 주력 기종인 ZenaDrone 1000은 VTOL 드론으로 약 40kg를 적재할 수 있으며, 이미 중요한 현장 화물 배송을 위해 미 공군 및 해군 예비군과의 유료 실증시험을 완료했습니다. 이번 인수는 BVLOS 운용에 대한 FAA 규정 변화와 부합하며, ZenaTech가 정부·방위·상업 시장에서 Drone as a Service (DaaS) 역량을 확장할 수 있도록 위치를 마련합니다.
ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) a signé une offre pour acquérir une école de pilotage basée en Floride, certifiée par la FAA, qui propose des formations à la certification FAA Part 61 et aux opérations complexes de drones BVLOS. Cette acquisition stratégique place ZenaTech en position de constituer une équipe interne de pilotes certifiés Part 61, essentielle pour des contrats gouvernementaux et militaires spécialisés dans les drones.
Le produit phare de la société, le ZenaDrone 1000, un drone VTOL capable de transporter environ 40 kg, a déjà réalisé des essais payants avec la US Air Force et la Navy Reserve pour des livraisons critiques sur le terrain. L'acquisition s'aligne sur l'évolution des réglementations de la FAA concernant les opérations BVLOS et permet à ZenaTech d'étendre ses capacités de Drone as a Service (DaaS) sur les marchés gouvernementaux, de la défense et commerciaux.
ZenaTech (NASDAQ: ZENA) hat ein Angebot zur Übernahme einer in Florida ansässigen FAA-zertifizierten Flugschule unterzeichnet, die Schulungen für die FAA Part 61-Zertifizierung und komplexe BVLOS-Drohneneinsätze anbietet. Diese strategische Akquisition versetzt ZenaTech in die Lage, ein internes Team von nach Part 61 zertifizierten Piloten aufzubauen, das für spezialisierte Regierungs- und Militäraufträge mit Drohnen unerlässlich ist.
Das Flaggschiff des Unternehmens, der ZenaDrone 1000, ein VTOL-Drohne mit einer Tragfähigkeit von etwa 40 kg, hat bereits kostenpflichtige Tests mit der US Air Force und der Navy Reserve für die Lieferung kritischer Feldfracht durchgeführt. Die Übernahme steht im Einklang mit den sich entwickelnden FAA-Vorschriften für BVLOS-Einsätze und versetzt ZenaTech in die Lage, seine Drone as a Service (DaaS)-Fähigkeiten in den Bereichen Regierung, Verteidigung und Handel auszubauen.
- Strategic acquisition enables access to lucrative government and military drone contracts requiring Part 61 certification
- ZenaDrone 1000 has completed paid trials with US Air Force and Navy Reserve
- Positions company for future BVLOS operations and specialized commercial contracts
- Development of gas-powered drone version will enable longer flight times for border patrol and cargo missions
- Acquisition cost and terms not disclosed, indicating potential financial impact uncertainty
- Integration and training costs for building internal pilot team could be substantial
- Regulatory environment for BVLOS operations still evolving, presenting uncertainty
Insights
ZenaTech's flight school acquisition strategically positions it for lucrative BVLOS drone operations and government/military contracts requiring specialized pilot certifications.
ZenaTech's offer to acquire an FAA-certified flight school represents a strategic vertical integration that addresses a critical operational bottleneck in the advanced drone services market. The acquisition targets a specific regulatory requirement: having Part 61-certified pilots (full aircraft pilots) for complex Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and government/military contracts.
This move demonstrates forward-thinking regulatory preparation. While the current commercial drone market primarily operates under Part 107 certification (basic drone pilots), the higher-value contract segment—particularly government and military—often requires the more rigorous Part 61 certification. By controlling its pilot training pipeline, ZenaTech can develop specialized capabilities for restricted airspace operations and BVLOS missions that competitors may struggle to match.
The company's ZenaDrone 1000 platform specifications (12'x7' VTOL with ~40kg payload capacity) position it for specialized applications that align perfectly with this pilot certification strategy. Its mentioned capabilities in ISR (Inspection, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and critical field cargo delivery, along with completed paid trials with both the US Air Force and Navy Reserve, suggest the company is already making inroads into the defense sector.
This acquisition creates three distinct competitive advantages: 1) regulatory readiness for evolving FAA rules around BVLOS operations, 2) vertical integration of pilot training to support their Drone as a Service business model, and 3) qualification for specialized government/military contracts that mandate Part 61 pilots-in-command. The development of a gas-powered drone version further indicates ZenaTech's focus on long-duration mission capabilities that would particularly benefit from advanced pilot certifications.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) ("ZenaTech"), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces that it has signed an offer to acquire a Florida-based FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) certified flight school that trains professional pilots for FAA Part 61 certification to be qualified as an airplane pilot and also for complex BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone pilot operations. Upon completion, the acquisition will enable the company to build an internal team of Part 61-certified pilots and be positioned as drone regulations evolve and opportunities grow in the DaaS, government, and defense markets, including military contracts that mandate a Part 61 pilot-in-command.
Today, the most common commercial drone pilot credential is Part 107, like a drone “drivers’ licence” but without a flight test, it is obtained with only a written test and a few weeks of study. However, there are waivered or special flights that require additional pilot qualifications, such as when operating in restricted airspace, when coordination with air traffic control is required, and for complex BVLOS operations involving longer distances, higher risk, heavier payloads, or more challenging airspace.
"This acquisition allows us to train new pilots for our Drone as a Service business and enables our drone command centers to have qualified pilots to take on specialized commercial and major US government and military contracts,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., Zenatech CEO. “Preparing a qualified pilot workforce early ensures regulatory readiness, accelerates our market entry, and demonstrates our strategic commitment to future large-scale drone aviation operations and a national DaaS services network.”
Some big government or military drone jobs especially ones where the drone flies far beyond the pilot’s view (BVLOS) or in special, restricted airspace, require the person in charge of flying to be a licensed manned-aircraft pilot (a Part 61 pilot). This is often because the work is complex, involves high-risk areas, or needs close coordination with air traffic control, just like regular airplanes.
The FAA is moving toward a new system and drone rules where companies get a standing license to run BVLOS such as for specialized cargo drones, but they must prove they have the right people, training, aircraft, and procedures in place. Pilots will likely need extra BVLOS-specific credentials and larger drones may push the FAA to require Part 61-level training for the people in command.
The ZenaDrone 1000, a medium-sized (12’x7’) VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) capable of carrying ~40 kg with AI-enabled autonomy, secure communications via its proprietary DroneNet system, and rugged construction. It is designed for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) use, specialized cargo deliveries, inspections, and precision agriculture applications. Defense applications include ISR- Inspection, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance applications, and the company has completed paid trials with both the US Air Force and Navy Reserve for critical field cargo delivery (e.g., blood). The company is also working on a gas-powered version for longer flight times for applications such as border patrol and long-distance cargo missions.
About ZenaTech
ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company specializing in AI drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions for mission-critical business applications. Since 2017, the Company has leveraged its software development expertise and grown its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone, to innovate and improve customer inspection, monitoring, safety, security, compliance, and surveying processes. With enterprise software customers using branded solutions in law enforcement, health, government, and industrial sectors, and drones being implemented in these plus agriculture, defense, and logistics sectors, ZenaTech’s portfolio of solutions helps drive exceptional operational efficiencies, accuracy, and cost savings. The Company operates through global offices in North America, Europe, Taiwan, and UAE, and is growing its US DaaS business model and network of locations through acquisitions.
About ZenaDrone
ZenaDrone, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures autonomous business drone solutions that can incorporate machine learning software, AI, predictive modeling, Quantum Computing, and other software and hardware innovations. Created to revolutionize the hemp farming sector, its specialization has grown to multifunctional drone solutions for industrial surveillance, monitoring, inspection, tracking, process automation and defense applications. Currently, the ZenaDrone 1000 drone is used for crop management applications in agriculture and critical field cargo applications in the defense sector, the IQ Nano indoor drone is used for inventory management and security in the warehouse and logistics sectors, and the IQ Square is an outdoor drone designed for land surveys and inspections use in commercial and defense sectors.
Contacts for more information:
Company, Investors, and Media:
Linda Montgomery
ZenaTech
312-241-1415
Investors:
Michael Mason
CORE IR
Safe Harbor
This press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc. include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects management’s expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech’s growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “seek”, “is/are likely to”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to ZenaTech’s expectations regarding its revenue, expenses, production, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations with respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech's ability to deliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone products including ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ Nano; ZenaTech’s anticipated cash needs and it’s needs for additional financing; ZenaTech’s intention to grow the business and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to future operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market conditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic, environmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in emerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire key personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive and business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech’s expected business objectives for the next twelve months; ZenaTech’s ability to obtain additional funds through the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market share; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the target markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital, including through the listing of its securities in various jurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent infringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments affecting the business of ZenaTech.
FAQ
What is the significance of ZenaTech's flight school acquisition for military contracts?
What capabilities does the ZenaDrone 1000 offer for military applications?
How does FAA Part 61 certification differ from Part 107 for drone operations?
What are the key markets ZenaTech is targeting with this acquisition?
What is BVLOS and why is it important for ZenaTech's business?
