Pyka and Dole successfully completed trial phase of autonomous Pelican Spray aircraft

Pyka and Dole successfully completed the first trial phase with Pyka Pelican Spray aircraft. Upon receiving delivery of the aircraft in late 2022 in Dole Fresh Fruit's operation in Honduras, combined personnel from both companies began flight operations and spray efficacy testing at Dole Isletas Farm. Pyka autonomous electric aircraft performed with excellence, demonstrating ease of operation and effective crop protection.

Volker Fabian, Chief Commercial Officer of Pyka, commented: "Dole is an internationally highly respected brand whose farming practices set industry standards for fruit and vegetable production across the globe. With their commercial operations spanning multiple geographical locations, Dole will demonstrate the value of Pyka's product on an even larger scale than we have seen to date."

Patricio Gutierrez Carvajal, Regional Director Innovation, R&D at Dole Tropical Products, said: "We are excited to partner with Pyka in order to be on the forefront of technological advancement for the aerial application industry. This product addresses a market-wide need for a safer, cleaner, and more precise method of spraying crops by air. As a company, Pyka embodies the values of quality, innovation and environmental focus that align with Dole's corporate mission."

As a next step, the use of Pelican Spray will be extended to larger areas of Dole's banana plantations and supplement Dole's existing fleet of agricultural spray planes. Subsequently, the partners will expand the Pelican Spray service to additional operations in Latin America. This autonomous electric aviation technology is a tremendous opportunity to optimize spray operations, reduce chemical usage through greater spray precision, minimize environmental impact, and contribute to Dole's sustainability goals.