Merlin has received a Part 145 maintenance certificate in New Zealand, allowing it to carry out work on aircraft operated under Part 121 and Part 135 regulations. This comes shortly after the company was granted its own Part 135 operational approval in February 2024.

The authorisation gives Merlin scope to maintain commercial aircraft in New Zealand and reflects regulator confidence in the firm’s approach to autonomous technologies. Merlin continues to focus on advancing autonomous systems with an emphasis on safety and efficiency.

“This certification demonstrates the high regard in which Merlin is held by regulators, underscoring both our credibility and our commitment to implementing autonomy in a way that upholds the industry's high safety standards,” says Grant Crenfeldt, CEO of New Zealand, Merlin. “Obtaining this certification is not just about maintaining aircraft; it also demonstrates our commitment to lead aviation innovation, paving the way for a future in which our skies are safer and more resilient.”