India, July 18 -- Chennai-based air mobility startup The ePlane Company's sister concern Amber Wings has received type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its hybrid cargo drone.

With this, Amber Wings claims to have become the first Indian startup to receive approval for a hybrid cargo drone. Under Drone Rules, 2021, companies are mandated to seek type certificates to comply with norms related to safety, security, and reliability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Called ATVA-1, Amber Wing's drone has been approved for 24/7 commercial use, including at night, something no other cargo drone operator in India has been permitted to do until now. Following the certification, the startup will now steadil...