Abu Dhabi: Lodd’s successful sub-scale Hili flight tests validate avionics ahead of full-scale trials, underpinning plans for a vertiport network with Skyports to boost autonomous cargo and passenger air mobility across the emirate.
Abu Dhabi-based autonomous aerial logistics company LODD has successfully completed flight tests of its sub-scale Hili cargo eVTOL, marking a significant milestone in the development of its long-range autonomous aircraft. According to Rashid Al Manai, LODD’s CEO, the sub-scale Hili has achieved a smooth transition to cruise flight, validating the in-house developed avionics and software. The company’s next step is to conduct flight testing of the full-scale Hili model. The Hili aircraft features an adaptable cargo system capable of carrying two Euro pallets weighing up to 250kg, designed to facilitate efficient cargo transport.
This development forms part of a broader vision to enhance air mobility in Abu Dhabi through the creation of an integrated vertiport network. Earlier this year, LODD announced a partnership with Skyports Infrastructure to develop three vertiports within Abu Dhabi, aiming to connect key sites in the emirate and potentially extend connectivity across the wider United Arab Emirates. The vertiport network is intended to support operations of eVTOL aircraft and autonomous aerial logistics, facilitating seamless cargo and passenger movement.
The designated vertiport locations include Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port, with Khalifa Port envisioned as a pivotal logistics hub. This facility is being developed to accommodate both light and heavy-payload drone operations and eVTOL aircraft, supporting industrial cargo transportation, offshore deliveries, and urgent shipments. The Yas Island vertiport is planned to upgrade the existing heliport to serve both helicopters and eVTOLs, catering to passenger transport in addition to freight. This integration of drone and eVTOL infrastructure into Abu Dhabi’s transport network aims to enhance logistical efficiency and accelerate the movement of goods and people within the emirate.
LODD’s collaboration with Skyports reflects a growing trend in the region towards adopting advanced air mobility solutions to meet increasing demands for rapid, flexible transportation of cargo and passengers. The vertiport project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic objectives to expand its transport infrastructure with innovative technologies that promote economic growth and sustainability.
As LODD prepares to advance its full-scale Hili aircraft to flight, the combination of autonomous technology, strategic vertiport infrastructure, and focus on cargo logistics positions Abu Dhabi to be a notable player in the emerging urban air mobility and autonomous freight sectors.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/air-taxis/abu-dhabis-lodd-completes-flight-tests-of-its-sub-scale-hili-cargo-evtol/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=abu-dhabis-lodd-completes-flight-tests-of-its-sub-scale-hili-cargo-evtol – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.zagdaily.com/zag-air/abu-dhabi-prioritises-cargo-in-vertiport-expansion/ – Skyports and LODD have unveiled designs for Abu Dhabi’s latest vertiport network, focusing on freight and heavy-payload drone operations. The network, spanning Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port, will integrate eVTOL and drone operations into the region’s transport infrastructure. Khalifa Port will serve as a key hub, equipped to handle both light and heavy-payload drones, facilitating industrial cargo movement, offshore deliveries, and time-sensitive shipments.
- https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2025/02/lodd-and-skyports-infrastructure-unveil-vertiport-concept-design-for-abu-dhabi-aam-network/ – LODD, an Abu Dhabi-based company specialising in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, and Skyports Infrastructure have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed across three strategic locations. The project aims to enhance air mobility solutions, integrating new infrastructure into Abu Dhabi’s transportation network to accelerate cargo and passenger movement and improve logistical efficiency in the United Arab Emirate’s capital.
- https://www.logisticsgulfnews.com/news/lodd-and-skyports-infrastructure-unveil-vertiport-concept-design-for-abu-dhabi-aam-network/ – LODD, an Abu Dhabi-based company specialising in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, along with Skyports Infrastructure, have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed across three strategic locations. This project aims to enhance air mobility solutions, integrating them into Abu Dhabi’s transportation network to accelerate cargo movement and improve logistical efficiency in the capital.
- https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/abu-dhabi-lodd-partners-with-skyports-to-unveil-vertiport-concept-for-uae – LODD has partnered with Skyports to unveil a vertiport concept for the UAE. The company has identified key locations for its vertiport network, including Khalifa Port, envisioned as a logistics hub designed to enable seamless cargo deliveries with both manned and unmanned aircraft. A second vertiport development is also planned on Yas Island’s existing heliport, which will be upgraded to support passenger transport with both helicopters and eVTOLs.
- https://www.airportsinternational.com/article/lodd-and-skyports-unveil-vertiport-concept-design – Skyports Infrastructure and LODD, an Abu Dhabi-based specialist in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed across three strategic locations. The project aims to enhance air mobility solutions, integrating them into Abu Dhabi’s transportation network to accelerate cargo movement and improve logistical efficiency in the capital.
- https://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news/construction-architecture/lodd-and-skyports-infrastructure-unveil-vertiport-concept-design-for-abu-dhabi-aam-network.html – LODD and Skyports Infrastructure have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed across three strategic locations in Abu Dhabi. The project aims to enhance air mobility solutions, integrating them into the city’s transportation network to accelerate cargo movement and improve logistical efficiency in the capital.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative reports on a recent achievement by LODD, dated July 27, 2025, with no prior publications found on this specific event. The content appears original and not recycled. The article includes updated data and references to earlier developments, such as the partnership with Skyports Infrastructure in February 2025, indicating a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, are unique to this narrative, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Urban Air Mobility News, a specialised publication in the field. While it is a niche source, it is reputable within its domain. However, the lack of coverage by more widely recognised outlets may raise questions about broader verification.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about LODD’s successful flight tests align with recent developments in Abu Dhabi’s autonomous aerial logistics sector. The narrative is consistent with known facts, and the technical details provided are plausible. The focus on cargo operations and vertiport development is in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategic initiatives in advanced air mobility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a recent and original report on LODD’s flight tests, supported by unique quotes and consistent with known developments in Abu Dhabi’s air mobility sector. While sourced from a specialised publication, the content is plausible and aligns with broader industry trends.
