If you’re interested in working with Aerial Ashes on a franchise model, get in touch with Matt Young directly at partnerenquires@aerialashes.co.uk.
For new drone pilots in the industry, making connections, finding a niche and earning customers can be a grind. After all, real estate margins are shrinking, mapping is competitive and everyone with a Part 107 certificate is chasing the same jobs.
But there’s a fast-emerging (and rather compelling) niche where demand is steady, pricing is premium and professionalism matters more than racing to the bottom: aerial ashes scattering ceremonies.
One of the leaders in this compelling new use case for drones is a U.K. based company called Aerial Ashes. And its planned U.S. expansion could represent a compelling new line of business for experienced drone operators.
Drones for ash scattering as a regulated, professional drone service, not a novelty
Aerial Ashes isn’t a gimmick or a viral stunt. Founded in 2019 by former RAF helicopter pilot Christopher Mace, the company has built a type of drone business operation that combines the skills of drone piloting with a deeply human service.
The core offering is simple but powerful: using heavy-lift drones together with a purpose-built release system, drones scatter cremated remains in meaningful locations such as coastlines, countryside, landmarks. Meanwhile, Aerial Ashes handles all safety, permissions and logistics.
Matt Young took over leadership of the company in 2024. Young initially ran the company part-time in addition to his full-time job. But after 7 months, he had earned more in his spare time, than he did working full-time. In the first year, Aerial Ashes made over $82,000.
And as it turns out, Aerial Ashes is opening up the business model to partner opportunities in North America. Aerial Ashes has a robust operation in the U.K. under Young’s leadership, with a small set of operations in the U.S. Young is looking to grow that U.S. arm via a franchise opportunity.
Aerial Ashes operates under strict aviation oversight in the UK, uses standardized procedures and has built strong brand trust with families. Demand is driven by life events, not market cycles, making it far more resilient than many traditional drone services.
Launching a drone business in ashes scattering
For pilots who already understand risk assessments, airspace rules and client-facing professionalism, Aerial Ashes says it offers several advantages for entrepreneurs who might want to kick off a franchise opportunity:
1. A true first-mover advantage in the U.S.
While the U.S. drone services market is crowded, memorial and celebration-of-life flights are largely untapped. Aerial Ashes has already validated the concept in the UK and begun U.S. operations in Hawaii and the Tri-State area (Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio).
This creates an opportunity to establish regional exclusivity before competitors emerge.
2. Premium pricing with real demand
Unlike real estate shoots or one-off inspections, families actively seek out this service and are willing to pay for professionalism, discretion and reliability.
This isn’t “selling drone time.” It’s delivering a high-trust service where technical execution and empathy matter equally and where price competition is far less aggressive.
3. Built-in operational support
Partners aren’t left to figure it out on their own. Aerial Ashes provides:
- Operational and safety procedures
- Training on specialized equipment and hosting ceremonies
- A full training portal on all aspects of building a thriving business
- Guidance on permissions, planning and customer experience
- Brand and marketing support tailored to this sensitive niche
For small-business owners, that reduces startup friction dramatically.
What the work actually looks like
From a pilot’s perspective, here’s what the work would entail at a high level:
- Weather monitoring and go/no-go decisions
- Site surveys and safety assessments
- Pre-flight checks and system testing
- Precision flight with controlled payload release
- Optional secondary drone ops for filming or live streaming
Ceremonies are calm, deliberate and technically straightforward, often simpler than complex inspection or construction flights, but with far higher emotional stakes and client appreciation.
Equipment and investment needed to launch a franchise
The model uses stable, professional-grade aircraft (such as heavy-lift platforms comparable to the DJI Matrice series) with custom ash-release systems, plus separate drones for filming when required.
The initial investment is approximately $27,000, which includes equipment, training, and an exclusive operating area.
Purpose-driven work that also pays
Commercial drone pilots often talk about wanting work that feels meaningful, not just another roof, listing or orthomosaic.
This is one of the rare drone services where clients routinely describe the experience as life-changing, where professionalism is remembered, and where referrals come from trust rather than a strong web presence with good SEO.
As drones continue to move deeper into specialized, regulated, and service-oriented roles, Aerial Ashes represents a glimpse of what the next phase of commercial drone work can look like.
For pilots ready to step beyond commodity drone jobs and build a business that is both financially viable and genuinely impactful, this expansion could be a rare opportunity worth serious consideration.
If you’re interested in working with Aerial Ashes on a franchise model, get in touch with Matt Young directly at partnerenquires@aerialashes.co.uk.
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