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3h ago

UAE’s Hili Heavy-Cargo Drone Makes First Test Flight in Abu Dhabi

LODD begins a months-long trial phase targeting UAE approval for commercial cargo flights.

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Hili, Lodd Autonomous’s heavy-lift unmanned cargo aircraft, on the runway ahead of its first test flight in Al Ain. Photo: Courtesy of LODD

Overview

  • The inaugural flight took place at LODD’s Emirates Falcon Aviation test site in Al Ain during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week in front of officials and media.
  • Hili is a hybrid-electric VTOL designed and built in Abu Dhabi to carry up to 250 kilograms over nearly 700 kilometers for middle-mile logistics.
  • LODD signed agreements at the event with Skyports Drone Services and ST Engineering to explore operations and market entry in key regions.
  • Earlier this month the company signed an MoU with Etihad Cargo and a collaboration agreement with EMX to support early adoption and supply-chain integration.
  • LODD says a roughly six-month flight-test campaign will be followed by operating trials, with GCAA certification efforts potentially taking up to two years before broader deployment.