Declan Sweeney

Biography

Declan Sweeney is the Executive Director of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC), leading national efforts to strengthen Canada’s drone ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and regulatory advancement. A 20-year veteran of the RPAS industry, he was a founding director and former CEO of Universal Wing Geophysics, one of the first companies in Canada to conduct BVLOS operations in the Arctic. Declan has contributed extensively to Transport Canada’s regulatory framework through the CARAC Working Group and was recognized in 2016 with the Pip Rudkin Individual Achievement Award. His work with government, utilities, and research institutions continues to shape Canada’s approach to integrating RPAS into critical infrastructure monitoring, emergency response, and industrial inspection. As moderator of the Critical Infrastructure Panel, Declan brings a balanced perspective bridging policy, industry and technology to help build Canada-first solutions for secure and resilient BVLOS operations.