The certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand means Merlin will be able to conduct critical data collection flights on select regional freight routes and leverage its test facility in Kerikeri for current and future certified products.
The data will be critical for the future development decisions that will be implemented globally and ensuring in-air operability and certification of the Merlin Pilot with both the CAA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In May 2023, Merlin achieved its state of involvement (SOI) 1 milestone with the CAA, putting the Merlin Pilot on the path to certification and commercial operation.
Matt George, CEO and Founder of Merlin, says, “Achieving an organisational Part 135 certification gives us the opportunity to work with a forward-thinking regulator as well as leverage New Zealand as a sandbox for our current and future products. This milestone enables us to continue progressing our technical maturity, ultimately validating the safety and operational effectiveness of the Merlin Pilot for Part 23 certification and beyond.”