Cargo carrier Ameriflight has agreed to convert its fleet to use Merlin Labs' new autonomous flight system in a bid to address what it views as a worsening shortage of suitably qualified commercial pilots. Initially, the operator intends to fly with semi-autonomous capability, in anticipation of progressing to fully autonomous flights when these are approved by the FAA.
The U.S. airline, which provides regional freight services for express delivery groups including FedEx, UPS, and DHL, will begin the conversion program with the Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft in its fleet. It also operates Beechcraft 99 and 1900 aircraft, as well as Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias and Fairchild SA-227 Metroliners, but has not yet confirmed whether it intends to install what Merlin calls its “drop-in autonomy” technology in these types at a later date. Merlin has also integrated the autonomous flight system on a DHC-6 Twin Otter and a Rutan Long EZ.
