The FAA exemption means Ameriflight can conduct UAS operations under its current Part 119 Air Carrier Certificate for Part 135 operations, opening the way for the launch of the first fully operational, large-scale drone operation in the US.
Using the Matternet M2 drones, Ameriflight plans drone deliveries focuses on healthcare and e-commerce to customers located in dense urban and suburban areas.
The M2 drones use Matternet’s software platform from a central remote Network Operations Center, offering safe operations with pilot supervision and flexibility.
Ameriflight says the drones will supplement its crewed operations, not replace current flights, aircraft or pilots.
Alan Rusinowitz, President and CEO of Ameriflight, says, “Adding this state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly aircraft and launching our UAS division allows us to expand our service offerings to off-airport alternative sites for time-sensitive small package needs. Matternet’s technology is at the forefront of autonomous innovation and provides a revolutionary solution for customers. We’re looking forward to launching our first M2 flights very soon, and, as we move forward into future flight, developing additional areas of drone delivery.”
Medical samples and small batch pharmaceuticals will be the initial cargo, followed by e-commerce for fast delivery of small packages.
Andreas Raptopoulos, Co-Founder and CEO of Matternet, adds, “This partnership enables us to offer our customers turnkey access to fast and reliable on-demand delivery capabilities today. This is not a test programme or a future deployment concept – this is the real, scalable, and safe drone-based solution that customers are looking for.”