U.S. Drone Delivery Firm Matternet Cleared to Fly in Saudi Arabia

Matternet founder and CEO Andreas Raptopoulos says the company will bring drone delivery to Riyadh, the Saudi capital.

Monday, January 27, 2025 at 02:11 PM ET

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Matternet and its M2 drone were cleared to fly in Saudi Arabia by the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. [Courtesy: Matternet]

Key Takeaways:

Matternet, a U.S.-based drone delivery company, has received approval to operate its M2 drone in Saudi Arabia, with initial services planned for the capital city of Riyadh.
This expansion leverages Matternet's M2 drone, which holds unique FAA type and production certificates (the only non-military uncrewed aircraft with these approvals).
Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East are seen as crucial markets for drone delivery due to rapid urban growth, large populations, and a strategic investment in new aviation technologies.

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A Mountain View, California-based drone delivery company just received the green light to begin flying in Saudi Arabia.

Matternet, developer of the M2 drone, on Monday announced that it was cleared to fly by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). In a news release, Andreas Raptopoulos, founder and CEO of Matternet, said the firm will bring drone delivery to Riyadh, the Saudi capital.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.