ZenaDrone Begins First US Flight Testing of ZenaDrone 1000 in Arizona

ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA), a technology company specializing in AI drone solutions and enterprise SaaS solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has begun the first US flight testing of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone including new hardware and software configurations in the desert near Phoenix, Arizona. The company has also been concurrently working towards expanding offices, operations, and partnerships in the state.

CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D., stated that after years of development work and recently achieving US FAA approval, it is gratifying to conduct live test flights and further build the company base in Arizona. This is the first of many test flights and demonstrations that will help refine and build the reliability of the ZenaDrone 1000 solutions for agriculture, defense, security, land surveying, and other applications where demand is seen.

One of the company’s longstanding collaboration partners is the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the State of Arizona’s economic development organization. Kevin O’Shea, Senior Vice President of International Trade for the ACA, expressed excitement that ZenaDrone has further grown and strengthened its Arizona presence by choosing Arizona as its base of U.S. operations and for beginning live testing of the ZenaDrone 1000 product. The ACA looks forward to continued work with ZenaDrone to grow their business in Arizona and throughout the world, including via participation at international trade shows and on international trade missions.

ZenaTech recently announced that ZenaDrone was granted an exemption by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for visual line-of-sight commercial applications and data collection in the US, subject to specified conditions and limitations. This approval enables live testing and evaluation of the ZenaDrone 1000 product with US-based partners and potential customers. The company is also completing the FAA application process to receive an aerial spraying license (14 CFR Part 137) for agricultural plant nourishment, soil treatment, and pest control.

The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone product designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial use. It has been used on farms in Ireland to enable smart farming, plant tracking, and crop management, and it has been piloted in the field with the US military for delivery of temperature-controlled critical medical supplies.