ASL Airlines Ireland's subsidiary ASL Future Flight has been granted a light aircraft operating licence by the Irish Aviation Authority.
ALS said the certification, known as a LUC, opens up the possibility of it starting "commercial drone operations without an operational authorisation from the IAA such as the delivery of light cargo over a short range".
ASL said it "will be used by ASL Future Flight to train and gain experience on drone operations before moving on to heavier and longer-range operations".
ASL's fleet of 40 aircraft is used by customers including FedEx, DHL and Amazon.
“ASL Future Flight are only the third operator to obtain a Light UAS Operator Certificate from the IAA. It is a reflection of ASL’s strong organisational structure, safety management system and staff competencies. We look forward to working with ASL as they continue to grow and develop," said ASL's Enda Walsh.