Matternet Obtains LUC Certificate for BVLOS Drone Operations Over Populated Areas

Matternet, a developer of urban drone delivery platforms, has become the first company to receive a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). This certificate marks a significant milestone for so-called “SAIL III” drone operations with increased risk, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights over populated areas.

Self-Authorizing Operations

Thanks to this LUC certificate, Matternet can independently authorize new operations in Switzerland and the German federal state of Berlin. Additionally, the approval process for similar operations throughout the European Union will be accelerated.

Andreas Raptopoulos, founder and CEO of Matternet, expressed his excitement about the certification: “This certification transforms our ability to expand drone delivery networks across Europe. Our close collaboration with FOCA was instrumental in achieving this milestone. With the ability to authorize routes ourselves, we can quickly grow our networks and deliver essential goods to hospitals and directly to people’s homes.”

A Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) is the highest and most demanding certification that drone operators can obtain to operate in the Specific category. This category includes drone flights with a higher risk profile. With a LUC certificate, operators can authorize their own drone flights without prior approval from aviation authorities, significantly enhancing the flexibility and speed of operations.

Innovative Drone Solutions

This success builds on Matternet’s earlier achievement in 2017 when it became the first company to receive BVLOS authorization for operations over cities in Switzerland. This opened the door for the aerial transport of blood samples. In 2022, Matternet announced plans to develop the first urban drone delivery network.

Tom Rehwinkel, Head of Regulatory Affairs EMEA at Matternet, explained: “Obtaining the LUC certificate required us to demonstrate our strong safety management system, which allows us to effectively manage aviation risks. This certification highlights our commitment to safe and reliable drone deliveries.”

Broad Recognition

In addition to the LUC certification in Switzerland, Matternet also holds Type and Production Certifications from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Furthermore, the company has operational approvals for BVLOS flights from both the FAA and FOCA, as well as cross-border approvals from the German aviation authority, Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).

With this broad recognition, Matternet continues to develop and expand its drone technology, aiming to play a significant role in transforming urban logistics and delivery services in Europe and beyond.