The GACA granted approval after they determined that the M2’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification issued in the USA met their standards.
The Matternet M2 received its FAA Type Certification in September 2022.
Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO and Matternet, says, “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.”
Matternet entered the Middle East market in 2021 through a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to provide medical deliveries.
In 2022, Matternet launched the longest urban drone delivery route in Zurich, Switzerland.
Last year, Matternet entered the home delivery market by launching the first drone delivery operation in Silicon Valley.
Jason Secore, Chief Financial Officer of Matternet says the company sees potential in cities such as Riyadh, saying, “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.”
This year, Matternet plans to continue scaling operations in North America, Europe and the Middle East.