• Skyports, a UK-based drone logistics company, has obtained the “Light UAS Operator Certificate” (LUC) from the Irish Aviation Authority, which permits self-authorized beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

• The LUC, available under EU drone regulations since December 2020, is recognized across all EU Aviation Safety Agency member countries and will allow Skyports to start operations without the need to obtain permission from EU authorities.

<ul><li> Analyst QuickTake: With the certification, Skyports will now be able to expand its drone delivery services across Europe, building on to its current operations in the UK. The certificate would also complement the company’s January 2021 partnership with Australian drone-based health logistics provider Swoop Aero. This partnership was extended in August to provide drone-based delivery services across Europe and the Americas, in addition to the UK. With this, Skyports joins the few companies to have obtained the certification to date, including Manna Drone Delivery who joined the list in May this year.</ul>