Delair
Delair, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toulouse, France, specializes in professional drone solutions for industrial and agricultural applications.
Profile
Delair provides professional drones and analytics for industrial inspections and data collection.
Delair, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toulouse, France, specializes in professional drone solutions for industrial and agricultural applications. The company focuses on long-range, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones equipped with advanced payloads like photogrammetric cameras and LiDAR, delivering high-accuracy ground surveys. Delair's vertically integrated approach covers hardware, software, and services, targeting sectors such as power utilities, geospatial, mining, and agriculture.
In 2016, the company reported $7.1 million in revenue, a 242% increase from the previous year, with 70% of revenue coming from exports. Delair expanded globally with a subsidiary in Los Angeles and acquisitions like Eukréa Electromatique and Gatewing. The company raised $15 million in funding in 2016 and grew its workforce to 106 employees.
Recent strategic moves include hiring key talent from failed drone startup Airware in 2018. Delair's focus on R&D (40% of revenue) and vertical-specific solutions positions it as a leader in industrial drone applications.
Who buys this
- Power and utility companies for grid inspections
- Mining and quarrying operations for site surveys
- Agricultural businesses for crop monitoring
- Oil and gas companies for pipeline inspections
- Government agencies for security and defense applications
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Vertically integrated solutions covering hardware, software, and services
- Specialization in BVLOS drones for long-range industrial applications
- Strong R&D focus with 40% of revenue reinvested in development
Watch for
- Regulatory hurdles for BVLOS drone operations in key markets
- Competition from larger aerospace and defense companies entering the drone space
- Dependence on industrial sectors sensitive to economic cycles
Key Information
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Toulouse, France
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Delair specialize in?
Delair provides professional drone solutions for industrial inspections and data collection, specializing in long-range BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drones with advanced payloads like photogrammetric cameras and LiDAR. Their vertically integrated approach serves power utilities, mining, agriculture, and oil/gas sectors with hardware, software, and analytics services.
What industries use Delair drones?
Delair drones serve power utilities for grid inspections, mining operations for site surveys, agricultural businesses for crop monitoring, oil/gas companies for pipeline checks, and government agencies for security applications. Their solutions are tailored for industrial environments requiring precise, long-range data collection beyond visual line of sight.
How does Delair's BVLOS technology work?
Delair's BVLOS drones operate beyond visual range using advanced navigation systems and high-capacity batteries. They carry professional payloads like LiDAR and photogrammetric cameras for industrial surveys, transmitting data in real-time. This enables inspections of remote infrastructure like power lines or pipelines without manual piloting.
What makes Delair different from consumer drone companies?
Delair focuses exclusively on industrial applications with rugged, long-range drones capable of BVLOS operations. Unlike consumer models, their systems integrate specialized sensors, enterprise-grade analytics software, and sector-specific solutions for utilities, mining, and agriculture. The company reinvests 40% of revenue in R&D for professional use cases.
How has Delair grown in recent years?
Delair reported $7.1 million revenue in 2016, a 242% annual increase, with 70% from exports. The company expanded globally with a Los Angeles subsidiary and strategic acquisitions. They raised $15 million in funding and grew to 106 employees while hiring talent from failed drone startups like Airware.
What are Delair's main competitive advantages?
Delair's strengths include vertical integration (hardware, software, services), specialization in industrial BVLOS applications, and strong R&D investment. Their drones offer superior range and payload capacity for sectors like utilities and mining. Strategic acquisitions and talent recruitment further strengthen their position in professional drone markets.
Sources
- delair.aero — 2016 financial performance and strategic direction
- techcrunch.com — Acquisition of Airware talent in 2018
- www.reuters.com — Industrial applications for BVLOS drones
- www.prnewswire.com — Market context for professional drone sector