Autonomous air cargo carrier Merlin receives permit to fly in New Zealand

Merlin, a developer of autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it received a Part 135 Air Operators Certificate to support future operational freight routes in New Zealand.

“Upon the Merlin Pilot’s completed product certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), Merlin will be able to conduct critical data collection flights on selected regional freight routes, as well as leverage its dedicated test facility in Kerikeri for current and future certified products. Merlin opened this Kerikeri centre for operations in May 2023, and has been progressing both organisational and product certification since its Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) was first approved in August 2021 by the CAA” according to a press release.

“The data collected during these freight routes is critical for future development decisions that will be implemented globally, as well as ensuring in-air operability and certification of the Merlin Pilot with both the CAA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In May 2023, Merlin also achieved its state of involvement (SOI) 1 milestone with the CAA, putting the Merlin Pilot on a viable path to certification and commercial operation.”