Emirates SkyCargo Partners with LODD to Explore Drone Powered Delivery Solutions

Emirates has today announced the signing of a MoU with LODD Autonomous to explore drone-powered delivery solutions.  The MoU will see the two Emirati pioneers develop future technology for the next era of logistics.

LODD Autonomous Hili UAV - Courtesy Emirates

On Friday (November 21, 2025), from day five of the Dubai Airshow 2025, Emirates announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LODD Autonomous to explore the development and deployment of next generation air cargo solutions.  The agreement was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President and Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous.  Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate to validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft across the airline’s vast global network, through feasibility studies, regulatory engagement and live demonstrations.  Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through the end of 2027, providing insight to inform design and development, with a view toward commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

In Friday’s announcement, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional SVP, Badr Abbas, said,

“This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customer’s transportation challenges.  Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact.  We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology.”

Also commenting on the new collaboration, LODD Autonomous’ CEO, Rashid Mattar Al Manai, added,

“The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward.  Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’ frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics.  Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, cut delivery times, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory excellence.”

Today’s agreement follows last week’s successful first test flight of LODD’s Hili, an unmanned, hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi.  Hili is fully autonomous from take-off to landing, and offers payload capacity of up to 250 kilograms, and has a range of up to up to 700 km.  As Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in future technologies for the seamless movement of goods, the Hili will be considered to join the airline’s ground fleet, to manage operations across its dual airport hub.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, LODD is an autonomous aerospace company pioneering the future of cargo transportation.  Founded in 2023, LODD designs, develops, and deploys next-generation autonomous systems to tackle the emerging challenges of middle-mile cargo logistics. At the core of their innovation is Hili, LODD’s flagship UAV, engineered to transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances of 700 km.  This breakthrough platform delivers scalable, efficient, and reliable cargo transport solutions for diverse industries.

Source: Emirates