Matternet, a prominent player in the urban drone delivery space, has reached a significant milestone by obtaining the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). This certification, the first of its kind issued by FOCA, authorizes Matternet to conduct higher-risk “SAIL III” operations, such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights over populated areas, marking a new chapter in the evolution of drone logistics in Europe.
The LUC allows Matternet to independently approve and initiate new drone delivery routes within Switzerland and the Federal State of Berlin. It also accelerates the company’s ability to expand similar operations across the European Union, setting the stage for rapid growth in the urban drone delivery market.
“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.”
Pioneering the Future of Drone Logistics
Matternet's certification marks another first for the company, which has consistently been at the forefront of drone delivery innovations. In 2017, it became the first organization to receive BVLOS authorization for drone operations over urban areas in Switzerland. This latest achievement further solidifies Matternet's position as a leader in unmanned aerial delivery, particularly in high-density and critical delivery sectors, such as healthcare.
The ability to self-authorize operations is a game changer for the company, significantly reducing the lead time for launching new delivery routes, and allowing for quicker adaptation to the demands of urban logistics.
Tom Rehwinkel, Head of Regulatory Affairs EMEA at Matternet, emphasized the rigorous safety standards required to secure the LUC: “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.”
Expanding Global Reach
Matternet’s growing list of certifications continues to build momentum for its expansion beyond Switzerland. In addition to the LUC, Matternet holds several other key approvals, including Type and Production Certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and BVLOS operational approvals from both the FAA and FOCA. Furthermore, the company has secured cross-border operational approvals from Germany's Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), further positioning Matternet as a global leader in the drone logistics industry.
With the new Swiss FOCA certification in hand, Matternet is poised to scale its operations across Europe, reinforcing its presence as a key player in the evolving landscape of urban drone delivery. The company's focus on safety, efficiency, and scalability ensures that it will continue to be a driving force as regulatory frameworks mature and drone delivery becomes an integral part of modern logistics infrastructure.
As the demand for fast and efficient delivery of essential goods—particularly in healthcare—continues to rise, Matternet's latest certification positions it to lead the charge in revolutionizing how goods are transported across urban areas.
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