Freightways and Merlin Labs trial autonomous courier delivery planes in Northland

Freightways and Merlin Labs trial autonomous courier delivery planes in Northland
Hangars on: Merlin's Kerikeri test site. (Image: Freightways)
Brent Melville
Listed express logistics business Freightways has announced it is working with US-based aviation technology developer Merlin Labs to test autonomous flight technology.The trial, which began this month in Kerikeri, Northland, follows the opening of a test facility by the Boston-based start-up group, in the hopes of achieving certification for its pilot system with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).Freightways businesses Fieldair, Parceline and NZ Couriers have signed up to the trial, for delivery of courier items from Kerikeri to Auckland, a...

More Markets

Craigs beefs up in Hawkes Bay, eyes further expansion
Finance

Craigs beefs up in Hawkes Bay, eyes further expansion

Craigs looks to further expansion as it confirms the Somerset Smith Partners deal.

NZ dollar on watch ahead of 3Q GDP, Fed signals
Markets

NZ dollar on watch ahead of 3Q GDP, Fed signals

Economists expect NZ GDP to shrink 0.3% in the June quarter after March growth.

Seeking a faster, sharper ComCom
Economy

Seeking a faster, sharper ComCom

A ‘gold standard’ approach and siloed structure slow the ComCom down.

NZ sharemarket drifts flat as Fed decision looms
Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket drifts flat as Fed decision looms

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed down 0.05% or 6.5 points.

Tom Raynel 17 Sep 2025