#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Hili UAV #LODD Autonomous #UAE Aviation

LODD Achieves Landmark Flight with Hili, the UAE's First Heavy Cargo UAV

On November 13, 2025, LODD Autonomous successfully completed the inaugural flight of Hili, the first hybrid heavy cargo UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) developed in the UAE. This landmark event took place at the Emirates Falcon Aviation testing facilities in Al Ain, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, and signifies a major advancement in autonomous aviation and cutting-edge logistics.

Hili, as a hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, represents a substantial engineering and operational achievement for LODD. This flight not only highlights the growing capabilities of the UAE in designing and manufacturing advanced aerospace systems but also demonstrates the country’s commitment to rapidly advancing innovative technologies with a focus on safety. The success of the Hili showcases the swift transformation of visionary concepts into reality, fulfilling rigorous performance and quality standards.

With the ability to carry payloads of up to 250 kilograms and travel distances of up to 700 kilometers, Hili integrates hybrid-electric propulsion with a modular design, thus enabling safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics operations for both regional and international supply chains. The aircraft has been developed through an extensive yet focused program, emphasizing safety.

Demonstrating international trust in the UAE's innovation ecosystem, LODD has forged a strong network of partnerships both globally and within the region. Some key collaborations include:

• - Etihad Cargo (UAE): Earlier this month, LODD signed a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Cargo, marking a milestone as the first national airline to adopt a locally-designed aircraft.
• - EMX (UAE): During the Abu Dhabi Autonomy Summit on November 10, 2025, LODD entered into a collaboration agreement with EMX to integrate drone logistics into next-generation smart supply chain operations, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
• - Skyports Drone Services (UK): At the same event, LODD inked a deal with Skyports, a leader in drone operations known for managing delivery services for companies like Royal Mail and NHS, aiming to enhance their cargo capacities through Hili’s long-range capabilities.
• - ST Engineering (Singapore): A formal agreement was established to introduce Hili into key markets in the Asia-Pacific, further extending the strategic alliance between the companies.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, expressed pride in this remarkable accomplishment: "The first flight of Hili marks a pivotal moment for LODD and the advanced aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi. This aircraft was entirely designed, built, and tested in the UAE under an intensive program that prioritized safety, showcasing our engineering prowess and national talent. Seeing Hili take to the skies represents Abu Dhabi's capability to deliver global innovation."

Al Manai further acknowledged the ongoing support from the UAE leadership for innovation and advanced autonomous technologies, stating, "Their vision for fostering a conducive national environment has empowered us to design, manufacture, and test Hili entirety in the UAE. This landmark achievement illustrates our ability to deliver homegrown technologies with a global impact."

With these significant advancements, LODD Autonomous solidifies its position as a national leader in advanced air mobility, driving the UAE's vision to become a global reference in autonomous systems, sustainable logistics, and future-ready aviation technologies.

About LODD

LODD is an autonomous aerospace company based in Abu Dhabi, pioneering the future of freight transport. Founded in 2023, LODD designs, develops, and implements next-generation autonomous systems to meet the new challenges of mid-distance freight logistics. At the heart of its innovation is Hili, LODD's flagship UAV designed for reliable and scalable cargo transportation solutions across various sectors. With a business model centered around sustainability, scalability, and operational efficiency, LODD is laying the groundwork for a robust aerial mobility ecosystem that will redefine logistics in the UAE and beyond.

For more information, visit www.lodd.com or follow us on social media: LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW) is the emirate’s flagship platform for advancing smart mobility and autonomous systems across land, sea, air, and industry. Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the inaugural edition brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and investors to connect, collaborate, and accelerate the future of autonomous technology. The program, commencing with the Abu Dhabi Autonomy Summit, is enriched by initiatives such as DRIFTx, RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025), and the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for innovation and the safe, sustainable deployment of autonomous technologies.