• Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous at the 2025 Dubai Airshow to explore deploying next-generation air cargo solutions using autonomous VTOL aircraft. The collaboration will assess the feasibility of integrating LODD’s unmanned hybrid heavy-lift drone, Hili, into Emirates SkyCargo’s operations through regulatory engagement, live trials, and joint development until the end of 2027.
• Hili, capable of carrying up to 250 kg over 700 km, could support Emirates SkyCargo’s dual airport hub in Dubai. The partnership underlines Emirates’ commitment to pioneering innovative logistics technologies and aligns with the UAE’s ambition to lead in smart, sustainable transport.
• The initiative marks another step in Emirates SkyCargo’s strategy to reshape global logistics and complements recent innovations like the launch of Emirates Courier Express.

Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, 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. Leveraging over four decades’ expertise in the global movement of goods, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through to the end of 2027, providing insight to inform design and development, with a view toward commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

The 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 travel distances up to 700 KM. As Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in future-fit 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.

Commenting on the signing, 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.”

Rashid Mattar Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous commented “The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s 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.”

Advancing the logistics ecosystem has long been a priority for Emirates SkyCargo. Setting new benchmarks for excellence in the global logistics industry, the airline is a trusted partner that seamlessly connects the world with a network of over 150 destinations, and an all widebody fleet of over 260 passenger and freighter aircraft. Consistently challenging the status quo, earlier this year, the airline launched Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that breaks the mould of cross-border eCommerce by merging the cargo division’s expertise in logistics with the airline’s passenger fleet and network.

Abu Dhabi-based LODD is transforming civilian logistics with state-of-the-art unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles, and AI-enabled software that simplify operations, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and speed delivery. Supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council, the development of the Hili and its potential deployment across the world’s largest international airline’s operations exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to investing in the national technology ecosystem – from strategy and investment to research and application.