Approval Marks a Milestone for Drone Delivery in the Middle East
Matternet has announced approval from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to operate its M2 drone, marking the first time the nation’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted such approval. The decision follows GACA’s recognition that the M2 drone’s FAA Type Certification meets its airworthiness standards.
The M2 drone, which achieved FAA Type Certification in September 2022, is now authorized to operate in Saudi Arabia. “We are proud to have received this acceptance from GACA and are honored that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes our dedication to safety and operational excellence,” said Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet. He highlighted the region’s potential, noting, “The Middle East is an exciting region for drone delivery and Saudi Arabia represents the largest economy. Riyadh will have autonomous drone delivery as a new layer of city infrastructure, enabling ultra-fast, cost-efficient, zero-emissions delivery for its businesses and residents.”
Expanding Global Operations
Matternet has been steadily increasing its presence worldwide. In 2021, the company partnered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to launch city-wide medical deliveries in the Middle East. In 2022, Matternet introduced the world’s longest urban drone delivery route in Zurich, Switzerland. Most recently, the company entered the home delivery market in Silicon Valley in 2024, launching its first drone delivery operation in the area.
This latest approval represents a significant step forward in Matternet’s global strategy. “We have seen rapid growth in the development and population of cities such as Riyadh,” said Jason Secore, Matternet’s Chief Financial Officer. “This will create a greater need for delivery, and lead to mounting pressure on the current infrastructure to keep up with demand. Drone delivery will play a key role in managing these challenges in a timely and scalable manner.”
Looking Ahead
Matternet plans to expand further in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East throughout 2025. The company’s commitment to exceeding regulatory standards aims to support broader adoption of drone delivery technologies.
For those interested in Matternet’s recent developments, including its Silicon Valley operations, additional information is available on the company’s website: Matternet.com.
This approval highlights the growing role of drone delivery systems in urban infrastructure, paving the way for faster and more sustainable solutions in logistics
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Read more:
- Matternet and ANRA Technologies Collaborate to Scale Urban Drone Delivery Networks
- Matternet Launches First Drone Home Delivery Service in Silicon Valley [VIDEO]
- Matternet Receives Swiss Certification for Advanced Drone Operations
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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