ADLC wins approval for drone transport of hazardous goods

A Drone Logistics Company (ADLC) has received a Light Operator Certificate (LUC), allowing it to transport hazardous materials using cargo drones. The firm says it is the only operator in Europe with this certification.

The company has been developing a commercial drone network in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where it transports petrochemical samples for major clients. It operates three drones daily in partnership with Swiss inspection firm SGS.

Chief executive Alexander Jordaens said drone logistics would make transport “greener, faster and safer”. A new drone hub near the city centre has also been launched to support low-emission logistics.

Previously, Belgium’s aviation regulator, the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), authorised ADLC to carry out long-distance drone flights beyond the operator’s line of sight. The new certification now allows the company to approve its own complex operations, including hazardous goods transport and the creation of new aerial routes.

ADLC is not yet profitable as it continues to scale up, but says competition in this niche market remains limited.

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