Matternet, a leading innovator in urban drone delivery systems, has announced it has been awarded a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). This certification is notable as it is the first LUC issued for higher-risk “SAIL III” operations, which include beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over populated areas.
The LUC allows Matternet to self-authorize new drone operations within Switzerland and the Federal State of Berlin, while also expediting the approval process for similar operations across the European Union.
“We are thrilled about this certification, which significantly enhances our ability to expand drone delivery services throughout Europe,” said Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet. “Our collaboration with FOCA has been crucial in achieving this milestone. With the capability to self-authorize routes, we can swiftly expand our networks and provide essential deliveries to hospitals and homes.”
This achievement builds on Matternet’s previous milestones, including being the first company to receive BVLOS authorization for urban operations in Switzerland in 2017. These accomplishments further bolster Matternet’s ability to deploy cutting-edge drone delivery solutions across Europe and reinforce its role as a leader in safe and efficient unmanned aerial logistics.
Tom Rehwinkel, Head of Regulatory Affairs EMEA at Matternet, stated: “Securing the LUC required demonstrating our comprehensive safety management system to effectively handle aviation risks. This certification highlights our dedication to maintaining safe and reliable drone delivery operations.”
In addition to the LUC, Matternet holds Type and Production Certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with BVLOS operational approvals from both the FAA and FOCA, and cross-border approvals from Germany’s Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).
About Matternet
Matternet is a pioneer in developing commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban areas. The company designs the Matternet M2 drone and the Matternet Software Platform, operating its technology either directly for customers or in partnership with logistics organizations like UPS. Matternet has achieved several industry firsts, including being the first to gain commercial BVLOS drone delivery authorization over cities in Switzerland, the first to launch routine revenue-generating operations in the U.S., and the first to receive Type and Production Certification from the FAA. Matternet’s technology has facilitated tens of thousands of commercial flights across dense urban and suburban environments in the U.S. and Europe.