Cargo drone airline Dronamics has been issued with a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) ahead of the launch of its Black Swan aircraft later in 2022.
The LUC – recognised in all EU member states – is the highest authorisation currently achievable under European drone operations and the first one issued in the EU for middle-mile cargo operations.
Black Swan
The announcement comes at a key moment for Dronamics as the company prepares for the first commercial flights of its flagship Black Swan aircraft later this year.
Carrying 350 kg at a distance of up to 2,500 km, the Black Swan aims to transform supply chains by making fulfilment more efficient, offering savings in cost, time and carbon emissions.
Dronamics is the first cargo drone company to secure the licence granted by the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (TM – CAD), the country’s civil aviation authority.
Self-authorised flight operations
The licence allows the company to self-authorise flight operations with its Black Swan aircraft across EU countries, including Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The announcement comes at a time when Dronamics prepares to scale up its operations, with the first commercial flights out of Malta and Italy scheduled for later this year.
Malta base
Malta is Dronamics’ European operations base, making it well placed to operate across the Mediterranean, linking key hubs in the region.
“Becoming the first cargo drone company to obtain LUC certification is a huge milestone for us and validates years of hard work in developing our unique and market-leading solution,” said Sergio Oliveira e Silva, COO of Dronamics.
“Our team has been involved in numerous AOCs on several continents before, and we are continuously impressed with the world-class professionalism and expertise of Transport Malta, coupled with a pro-innovation mindset.
“With the support of such a sophisticated and technologically advanced regulator, and with Malta as our European operations base, we are well placed to progress our operations and start serving key routes across the Mediterranean later this year and continue our future expansion so that we can achieve our mission to enable same-day delivery for everyone, everywhere.”
Long range drones
Capt. Charles Pace, Director General of TM-CAD, said: “During the past several months, our dedicated CAD inspectors, who did the job diligently, validated our belief in new technologies and innovation within the aviation industry.
“Since the initial contact with Dronamics, the operational concept, the experienced and passionate team, and above all the company mission, made us believe that Dronamics will be the pioneer of a new, safe, and exciting era of the drone cargo long range operation.”
