Company granted first Light UAS Operator Certificate for higher-risk BVLOS flights
Matternet has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to expand drone delivery operations across Europe. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has granted Matternet the first-ever Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) for higher-risk operations, allowing the company to perform beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over populated areas under the “SAIL III” designation. This authorization enables Matternet to operate in Switzerland and Berlin, while streamlining approval processes for similar operations across the European Union.
Accelerating Expansion Across Europe
With the new LUC, Matternet gains the ability to self-authorize operations in Switzerland and Berlin, allowing for faster deployment of drone delivery networks. This development is expected to significantly accelerate Matternet’s ability to offer drone delivery services to hospitals and residential areas throughout Europe.
“We are excited about this certification, which transforms our ability to expand drone delivery operations across Europe,” said Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet. “Our close collaboration with FOCA has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. With the power to self-authorize routes, we can rapidly grow our networks and deliver essential goods to hospitals and directly to people’s homes.”
Matternet’s LUC also builds on its history of advanced drone authorizations. The company first received BVLOS authorization in Switzerland for city operations back in 2017. These advancements further solidify the company’s position in deploying safe and efficient drone delivery solutions across Europe.
Focus on Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Achieving this certification was not only about expanding operations but also demonstrating a commitment to safety. Tom Rehwinkel, Head of Regulatory Affairs for EMEA at Matternet, emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards. “Obtaining the LUC required us to demonstrate our robust safety management system to effectively mitigate and manage aviation risks. This certification underscores our commitment to safe and reliable drone delivery operations.”
In addition to the LUC, Matternet holds several other critical certifications, including Type and Production Certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company also has BVLOS operational approvals from both the FAA and FOCA, and cross-border approvals from Germany’s Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).
A Foundation for Future Growth
Matternet’s new certification represents a crucial step toward expanding its presence in the European market. By enabling the company to self-authorize BVLOS flights, the LUC will help Matternet streamline its operations and reduce approval time for new routes. This will enhance its ability to provide critical services, including the delivery of medical supplies and other essential goods, directly to consumers and healthcare providers.
As Matternet continues to innovate in urban drone delivery, its safety record and regulatory achievements will remain key components of its expansion strategy. With tens of thousands of commercial flights already completed in both the U.S. and Europe, the company is positioned to further advance the reach and efficiency of drone delivery systems globally.