Funding will support international growth and further development of AI-driven maintenance solutions
Donecle, a France-based company specializing in automated aircraft inspection, has raised €10 million in a new funding round. The round was led by IRDI Capital Investissement and SWEN Capital Partners, with participation from GSO Innovation and ARIS Occitanie.
The company plans to use the funding to expand internationally and continue developing its drone and AI-based inspection technology. Growth in both Europe and the United States is a key focus.
Automating Aircraft Inspection
Founded in 2015 in Toulouse, Donecle develops systems that use autonomous drones and artificial intelligence to inspect aircraft. The company aims to replace manual inspection processes that remain common across the aviation industry.
Its system combines drone flight, high-resolution imaging, and AI analysis. This approach allows inspections to be completed up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
The technology also improves consistency and traceability. Inspection data can be stored and reviewed over time, which supports maintenance planning and compliance.
Donecle is also building a software layer that turns inspection data into actionable insights. Over time, the company expects this data to integrate with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) systems. This could support more predictive maintenance strategies.
Scaling a Global Footprint
Donecle has expanded its operations steadily. The company now operates more than 40 drones across 15 countries.
Its solution holds certifications from both Airbus and Boeing, as well as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These approvals allow the company to work with commercial airlines and global fleets.
Customers include major airlines and military operators such as United, LATAM, DHL, Lufthansa, the French Air Force, and the Royal Air Force.
The new funding will support further expansion into commercial aviation markets. Donecle also plans to grow its team and pursue partnerships and acquisitions.
Pressure to Modernize Maintenance
The aviation industry faces ongoing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce costs. At the same time, skilled labor shortages are becoming more common.
Automated inspection systems offer one way to address both challenges. By reducing manual work, drone-based solutions can help operators maintain aircraft more quickly and with fewer resources.
Investors see this shift as a key trend.
Benjamin Lillo, Investment Director at IRDI Capital Investissement, said: “We are convinced that the digitalization of maintenance operations has become essential in a context where skilled labor is becoming increasingly scarce. Donecle provides a concrete solution by combining the digitalization of inspections with structured data management. This investment fully aligns with our regional fund strategy, which aims to support innovative companies with strong local roots, while fostering their transition toward a scalable, value-creating software model”.
AI and Sustainability Goals
Donecle also positions its technology as a tool for reducing environmental impact. Traditional aircraft inspections often rely on diesel-powered equipment. Drone-based systems remove that requirement.
The company estimates that its operations have already saved several thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Faster inspections can also reduce aircraft downtime. This lowers the need for spare aircraft and reduces demand for hangar space.
Jason Bigeard, Investment Director at SWEN Capital Partners, said: “Donecle is at a pivotal moment in its development, with a patented, proven technology which is poised for rapid international expansion. This investment is fully aligned with our investment thesis, which aims to support innovative, high-impact companies. Donecle’s unique, fully automated drone and AI inspection technology contributes to the decarbonization of air transport maintenance operations, driving efficiencies, cost savings and reliability.”
Next Phase of Growth
Donecle’s leadership sees the funding as a step toward scaling both technology and market reach.
Matthieu Claybrough, co-founder and CEO of Donecle, said: “This new round of funding will give us the resources to scale up internationally and further confirm our market leading position by developing our technology and use of artificial intelligence. The new investors, led by IRDI Capital Investissement and SWEN Capital Partners, have deep understanding of our market position and will provide tailored support alongside capital to help us in our next phase of growth.”
As aviation operators look for faster and more reliable inspection methods, drone-based solutions like Donecle’s are moving from early adoption to broader use.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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