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Abu Dhabi aerospace innovation: Hili hybrid VTOL UAV positions UAE as global cargo mobility leader
Hili, designed and produced in the UAE, is a classic example of ‘Make it in the Emirates’ and a proud moment for the country
LODD Autonomous is spearheading the future of advanced air mobility across the Middle East and beyond, with plans to introduce hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the near future, according to its top executive.
Rashid Matar Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, said the Abu Dhabi-based aerospace innovator is redefining logistics by combining cutting-edge technology with practical operational needs.
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“With Hili, LODD is setting the stage for a new era of aerial logistics. Each milestone moves us closer to operational cargo UAV services that can deliver speed, reliability, and efficiency at scale,” Al Manai told Khaleej Times during an exclusive interview.
Founded in 2023, LODD Autonomous designs, develops, and deploys next-generation autonomous systems to tackle the emerging challenges of middle-mile cargo logistics. At the core of its innovation is Hili, LODD’s flagship UAV, engineered to transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances of 700 kilometres.
“By combining commercial readiness with continuous innovation, LODD is positioning the UAE as a global leader in heavy cargo UAV operations — with Hili as the flagship platform driving this transformation,” he said.
Lodd Autonomous has completed the first test flight of Hili on November 13 at a test flight facility in the Al Ain region. The aircraft closely resembles a passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), but is designed to fly with no on-board pilot. Hili’s flight was part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, a showcase of the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
Ushering into new era
Al Manai, an industry veteran of more than 25 years in aerospace, has held senior leadership roles across industry and government. His vision blends innovation, operational excellence, and national capability building, positioning LODD and the UAE at the forefront of global autonomous logistics. Under his leadership, LODD has developed the Hili Hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft — the first of its kind fully engineered and manufactured in the UAE.
He said the inaugural flight of Hili signals a clear shift: air mobility is no longer a concept. It is becoming an operational reality.
“We see a future where passenger air taxis and autonomous cargo aircraft operate seamlessly within the same ecosystem, supported by unified Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM), smart vertiports, and integrated logistics networks,” he said.
Al Manai said cargo will be one of the earliest large-scale beneficiaries because it has clear demand, predictable routes, and immediate economic value.
“In many ways, cargo operations will scale even faster than passenger flights. The UAE is positioning itself to lead both and the combination of the two will redefine how goods and people move in the next decade,” he said.
Robust air mobility ecosystem
Al Manai, who did M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master of Engineering Management from the University of Wollongong, UAE, said LODD is laying the foundation for a robust air mobility ecosystem that will redefine logistics across the UAE and beyond.
“At LODD, we are building an ecosystem, not just an aircraft. Hili is designed and built in Abu Dhabi as the backbone of a new generation of middle-mile cargo operations. The ecosystem around it includes technology, regulatory frameworks, partnerships, training, vertiport infrastructure, and national-level integration,” Al Manai said.
“Hili went from concept sketch to full-scale flight in only 22 months, a testament to the UAE’s rapid engineering and development capability. We’re pushing forward at the same pace as we enter flight testing, aiming for commercial operations in 2027,” he said.
Hili production strategy
Al Manai said LODD Autonomous has a state-of-the-art facility to produce various variants of Hili to cater to the demand of local and international markets.
“Our production strategy is demand-driven and built for rapid growth. Today, we have the capacity to produce up to 50 aircraft per year, and as the ecosystem scales, we’re ready to expand our facilities quickly to meet rising demand,” he said.
He said Hili targets the cargo market with a 250kg payload and up to 700km range. “We’ve outlined future variants on the same technology platform and will advance them as demand increases,” he said.
Setting sights on export markets
Al Manai said the UAE is becoming a global reference point for air mobility, and through Hili and LODD partners, the company is taking this vision from Abu Dhabi to the world.
Elaborating, he said LODD has strategic partnerships in Asia, Europe and Africa to introduce the entire UAE air-mobility blueprint by exporting Hili.
Referring to strategic partners such as Skyports Drone Services (UK), ST Engineering (Asia) and Astral Aviation (Africa), he said Hili will text export markets when it is ready for commercial operations.
He said the UK-based Skyports Drone Services is one of the world’s most advanced drone operators. “Our partnership allows Hili to be integrated into their UK and global networks, starting with logistics, offshore, and inspection missions. The UK is one of the fastest-moving BVLOS markets, and Hili will fit naturally into the corridors and frameworks Skyports already operates,” he said.
Similarly, he said ST Engineering is one of Asia’s largest aerospace companies with deep MRO, certification, and operational capabilities. “Together, we will bring Hili into key Asia Pacific markets, leveraging their regulatory experience, customer base, and infrastructure. This positions Hili to enter high-growth logistics markets such as Singapore, Thailand, and the wider Asean region,” he said.
Moreover, Astral is a leading cargo airline across Africa with a 25-year track record in airfreight operations. “Our collaboration opens the door to deploying Hili on essential cargo and humanitarian corridors, where long-range VTOL capability can significantly reduce time-critical logistics challenges across remote areas,” he said.
“These partnerships ensure that when we export Hili, we are also exporting the entire UAE air-mobility blueprint — safe operations, BVLOS expertise, hybrid VTOL capability, digital integration, and a scalable commercial model,” Al Manai added.
What Makes Hili Different
LODD's flagship UAV: Hili is designed and produced in the UAE, a classic example of Make it in the Emirates and proud moment for the country. It was designed with a user-first philosophy, making it adaptable, intuitive, and ready for real-world logistics.
Infrastructure independence: Vertical take-off and landing, plus in-flight recharging, mean no runways or charging stations required.
Fast and efficient: Optimised for multi-stop routes, quick turnaround, and high-frequency missions with minimal manpower.
Versatile cargo handling: Modular bay that fits two euro pallets and adapts for general cargo, medical, industrial, or offshore use.
Safe and reliable: Multiple backup systems for avionics, sensors, and communications keep operations resilient in any environment.
Easy to deploy internationally: Designed to avoid complex export restrictions, making it simpler for customers across markets to adopt.
Greener operations: Hybrid propulsion offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than conventional aircraft.
“Together, these qualities make Hili a transformative solution for the middle mile, bridging the gap between logistics hubs and destinations with speed, certainty, and cost efficiency,” Al Manai concluded.
TIMELINE FOR HISTORY-MAKING JOURNEY
February 2024: Feasibility study and concept of operations established
December 2024: Subscale flight testing completed
March 2025: Full-scale manufacturing of Hili commenced
September 2025: Ground testing underway at LODD’s Abu Dhabi headquarters
November 2025: First full-scale flight of Hili held
2026–27: Experimental commercial operations, beginning with middle-mile routes
2028: Targeted pre-certified commercial service, integrating Hili into national logistics networks and international partner operations.
HILI TARGET SECTORS
Medical Deliveries: old-chain ready, ensuring safe transport of urgent and sensitive supplies.
Cargo Transport: Faster and more economical for medium-range routes compared to conventional aircraft.
Offshore Logistics: Reliable and resilient, even in remote or challenging conditions.
Why Heavy Cargo UAVs, Why Now?
The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for faster, more flexible, and more resilient cargo solutions. Traditional methods often face bottlenecks and infrastructure constraints, especially when connecting major hubs with regional or remote areas. LODD addresses these challenges by developing hybrid-powered heavy-lift UAVs that offer a scalable, sustainable, and dependable alternative to conventional transport.
Muzaffar Rizvi
Muzaffar Rizvi is an accomplished financial journalist with more than 25 years of experience in the UAE and Pakistan. He has good writing skills, strong grip on production and an excellent news sense.
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