Merlin, IAI partner to develop AI autonomy for cargo aircraft
The companies will jointly explore engineering, certification and platform selection to support the future integration of autonomous technology into Part 25 freight aircraft.
Merlin, an aerospace and defence technology company developing autonomous flight systems, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), an aerospace and defence company that designs aircraft and is a global leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions, to jointly develop, integrate and certify AI-powered autonomous flight technology for commercial cargo aircraft.
The agreement marks the start of a phased collaboration covering joint market exploration, engineering, regulatory preparation and the selection of an initial aircraft platform. The companies aim to establish a path towards civil certification for autonomous technology on Part 25 freight aircraft, the category that includes large commercial transport aircraft.
The collaboration is part of Merlin's Condor product family for large, multi-crew aircraft. Merlin will contribute its autonomous flight technology, while IAI will bring its expertise in aircraft design, certification, advanced avionics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and passenger-to-freighter conversions. Together, the companies aim to advance autonomous flight technology for cargo aircraft that support global air cargo operations.
Boaz Levy, Chairman of the Board at IAI said, "Our collaboration with Merlin reflects a shared commitment to advancing next-generation capabilities that can enhance safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility across the aviation industry. We believe autonomy will play an increasingly important role in the years ahead."
Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin, said IAI's expertise in aircraft certification, advanced avionics and freighter conversions makes it an important partner for the Condor programme.
"Merlin's collaborations with IAI and World Star Aviation reflect growing industry recognition that AI-powered autonomy can enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and help operators scale existing fleets to meet increasing demand. Together, we're laying the groundwork to bring certifiable autonomy to the aircraft that power global cargo networks," George said.
The agreement builds on Merlin's recently announced relationship with cargo aircraft lessor World Star Aviation. The company said the partnerships reflect growing momentum behind the development of certifiable autonomous capabilities for cargo aircraft by bringing together operational, engineering, certification and fleet expertise.
Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IAI Aviation Group, said autonomous technologies have the potential to become an important part of the future aviation ecosystem, but their adoption will require successful integration into certified aircraft while meeting strict safety and regulatory standards.
"By combining Merlin's autonomy expertise with IAI's decades of experience in aircraft engineering, certification, avionics and freighter conversions, we aim to help advance practical and certifiable solutions for the commercial cargo market," Berkovitz said.
