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

Synlait Milk to say goodbye North Island
Primary Sector

Synlait Milk to say goodbye North Island

Dairy companies’ AGM season kicks off this week.

Investor tries to pull $10m from Alvarium
Markets

Investor tries to pull $10m from Alvarium

Investor wants out, but the financial advisory firm is defending its practices.

Bulls, bears and analysis …
Opinion

Simon Robertson: Bulls, bears and analysis …

Why price-to-earnings ratios don’t cut it.

Simon Robertson 15 Nov 2025