NEW YORK (BestWire) — American International Group said the US Federal Aviation Administration has approved its request to operate small unmanned aerial vehicles — also known as drones — to conduct inspections for risk assessment, risk management, loss control, and surety performance for customers in the United States.

The exemption also permits AIG to implement “a robust research and development programme to explore new and innovative ways to employ UAVs in support of the needs of its customers”, it said in a statement.

AIG, which received its approval on the same day as the USAA, can now fly drones during the day within line of sight of a trained pilot and aircrew (Best’s News Service, April 7, 2015).

“AIG is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in providing better, faster, and safer risk and claims assessments to our customers,” Eric Martinez, executive vice-president of claims and operations at AIG, said in a statement. “Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like UAVs can enhance our ability to assess and mitigate risks to better help our customers and their communities prepare for and rebuild after a catastrophic event.”

AIG said it already has established an international UAV research and development programme and conducted flights in New Zealand. It added its New Zealand flights have “provided valuable insights on technology, flight operations, and image collection techniques that will be incorporated into AIG’s global UAV strategy.”

The FAA exemption is valid for drone usage in the United States only. Prior to approval, any test flights in the United States had to be performed at one of six FAA-approved sites around the country. Now AIG will be permitted to conduct research on its own facilities and property, as well as those of its affiliates.

AIG is one of just three insurers who have received approval to use drones for commercial purposes. State Farm was the first, having received its authorisation in February. Liberty Mutual, Travelers and Erie Insurance are among those with exemption requests pending, according to the FAA website.