Matternet Secures Historic Saudi Drone Permit For Urban Delivery Operations

Matternet Wins Approval for M2 Drone Operations in Saudi Arabia, Paving the Way for Urban Drone Delivery

Matternet has received approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia to operate its M2 drone, marking the first time the nation’s aviation authority has granted such permission. The decision follows GACA’s recognition that the M2 drone’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification meets its airworthiness standards.

The M2 drone, which achieved FAA Type Certification in September 2022, is now authorized to operate in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh set to become a hub for autonomous drone delivery. “We are thrilled to have received this acceptance from GACA and honored that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes our commitment to safety and operational excellence,” said Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet.

The approval is part of Matternet’s expanding global presence, which has seen the company partner with various entities in recent years. In 2021, Matternet collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to launch city-wide medical deliveries in the Middle East. The following year, the company introduced the world’s longest urban drone delivery route in Zurich, Switzerland. Most recently, Matternet entered the home delivery market in Silicon Valley in 2024, launching its first drone delivery operation in the area.

This latest approval represents a significant step forward for Matternet’s global strategy, as the company plans to expand further in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East throughout 2025. “We have seen rapid growth in the development and population of cities such as Riyadh,” said Jason Secore, Matternet’s Chief Financial Officer. “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.”

The approval highlights the growing role of drone delivery systems in urban infrastructure, paving the way for faster and more sustainable solutions in logistics. As cities continue to grow and expand, drone delivery is poised to become an essential component of their transportation networks.

Matternet aims to support broader adoption of drone delivery technologies worldwide with its commitment to exceeding regulatory standards. The company’s Silicon Valley operations are a testament to its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.