LODD Achieves a Milestone with Successful First Flight of UAE's Hili Hybrid Cargo UAV

LODD Autonomous's Historic Launch of Hili

On November 13, 2025, LODD Autonomous celebrated a monumental achievement with the inaugural flight of the Hili, the United Arab Emirates' first hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) heavy cargo UAV. This ground-breaking aircraft was designed, constructed, and rigorously tested in Abu Dhabi, solidifying the UAE's position in the realm of autonomous aviation and advanced cargo logistics.

The first flight took place at LODD's testing facility located within Emirates Falcon Aviation in Al Ain. This event formed part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week and is viewed as a significant milestone not only for LODD but also for the national aerospace industry. The successful flight underscores the technological advancement being made in the UAE, showcasing engineering skills and operational excellence.

Innovations of Hili

Hili boasts impressive specifications with a payload capacity of 250 kilograms and an operational range of up to 700 kilometers. The UAV employs a hybrid-electric propulsion system and features a modular design, enhancing its safety, efficiency, and sustainability in cargo operations. These attributes position Hili as a transformative addition to both regional and international logistics frameworks.

In an indication of international trust and collaboration, LODD Autonomous has secured strategic partnerships with various global players. Just earlier in November, LODD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Cargo, marking the national carrier's commitment to be the first operator of this revolutionary aircraft. Moreover, agreements were established with EMX from the UAE and Skyports Drone Services from the United Kingdom, the latter being known for its extensive operations in drone deliveries for significant clients such as the Royal Mail and various energy leaders.

Expanding Horizons Through Collaboration

During the inaugural flight, LODD also announced a strategic collaboration with ST Engineering, a premier aerospace entity from Singapore, aimed at bringing Hili to key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. CEO Rashid Al Manai expressed that this milestone exemplifies the culmination of extensive engineering efforts and the pursuit of innovation, setting a new benchmark for the capabilities of UAE's workforce in the aerospace sector.

Al Manai highlighted the unwavering support provided by the UAE's leadership in the fields of innovation and autonomous technologies. He noted, "The leadership's vision has fostered an environment where we can innovate, manufacture, and test advanced systems entirely within the UAE, demonstrating our capacity to develop technologies that have global implications."

Significance of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

The successful flight of Hili is much more than a technological achievement; it signifies Abu Dhabi's aspirations to become a global hub for advanced air mobility and logistics solutions. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week served as an excellent platform to connect industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders towards the common goal of advancing smart mobility solutions. Events like this amplify the region's role in the evolving landscape of aerial logistics as well as in the deployment of sustainable practices throughout the industry.

As LODD strives to chart new courses in autonomous cargo delivery, it stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. LODD is not merely a company; it represents the UAE's ambitions to lead in the autonomous systems sector, laying the groundwork for a future where cargo logistics can meet the demands of an ever-evolving marketplace.

For further information, you can visit LODD's website and follow their progress through social media channels on LinkedIn and Instagram.

With projects like Hili underway, the UAE is poised to redefine the parameters of logistics while asserting its place on the world stage as a leader in aerospace technology.