LODD Autonomous’s successful test flight of Hili, the UAE’s first heavy-cargo hybrid VTOL UAV built in Abu Dhabi, marks a significant leap in autonomous air mobility and regional logistics innovation.
LODD Autonomous, really based in Abu Dhabi, recently hit a pretty big milestone by completing the very first flight of Hili, the UAE’s first-ever hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) heavy-cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This achievement, announced on November 13, 2025, is quite significant because it highlights the UAE’s ambitions of becoming a major player in autonomous aviation and state-of-the-art logistics.
The flight itself was carried out at LODD’s dedicated testing site at Emirates Falcon Aviation in Al Ain, during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, a sort of showcase for the latest in autonomous systems. Interestingly enough, Hili is the first heavy-cargo UAV of its kind to be designed, built, and tested completely within Abu Dhabi. This really points to the impressive aerospace engineering capabilities and innovative spirit within the nation.
The aircraft uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system, which means it combines electric motors for vertical lift with an internal combustion engine for horizontal flight. It has eight electric motors mainly for taking off and landing, plus a conventional engine for cruising, so it’s pretty versatile in terms of operation. The design is modular, making maintenance easier and allowing quick adjustments depending on the mission. I mean, that flexibility is a major plus.
Hili can carry up to around 250 kilograms of cargo and travel distances up to 700 kilometers, though some reports suggest a more conservative range of about 300 kilometers for particular logistics routes. Its cargo bay has a flat floor, which means standard pallets can be loaded quickly and efficiently. Plus, it features ground wheels that let it move and maneuver autonomously on the tarmac, without needing external towing or support equipment. That definitely streamlines the whole process.
The flight’s success was personally witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He praised the milestone as a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in autonomous aviation and innovative logistics solutions. He also pointed out that this development fits with the emirate’s larger strategic plan, to turn innovation into tangible solutions that drive economic growth and technological advancement. Furthermore, His Highness emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent and encouraging homegrown innovation to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for sustainable air mobility.
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, called the flight a “defining moment” not only for his company but also for the UAE’s aerospace scene. He credited the fast-paced, safety-first development process as key to hitting this milestone on time. And he expressed pride in the UAE’s ability to develop homegrown tech with global relevance. Al Manai also highlighted the continuous support from UAE leadership, which helps create an environment conducive to autonomous tech innovations.
Since the flight, LODD Autonomous has strengthened its position as a key player in advanced air mobility, announcing several new partnerships. For example, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Cargo, making the airline the first commercial operator to adopt the indigenous Hili aircraft. That’s definitely a practical step toward commercializing local autonomous cargo solutions.
They also established collaborations with EMX, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, to integrate drone logistics into smarter supply chains, and with Skyports Drone Services, a UK-based drone delivery company already servicing major clients like the Royal Mail and NHS. Skyports views Hili as an excellent platform to expand their heavy-lift and long-range drone capabilities. Plus, LODD partnered with Singapore’s ST Engineering Commercial Aerospace to help bring Hili into key markets across Asia-Pacific, building on existing cooperation.
This hybrid VTOL aircraft really signals a new wave of autonomous cargo systems, ones that can connect regional hubs with last-mile logistics centers without the need for large airports or heavy infrastructure. That could make logistics in the Gulf region, where fast connectivity is vital for business, much more efficient.
All in all, LODD’s achievement underscores how quickly the UAE is progressing in aerospace and autonomous systems, thanks to solid government backing, talented local engineers, and a thriving ecosystem of innovation. Their progress fits into a broader regional vision to diversify economies through advanced tech that’s environmentally friendly and efficient.
To sum up, the first flight of the Hili aircraft is a historic step forward for the UAE’s aerospace industry. It shows that the country can design, manufacture, and operate sophisticated hybrid-electric UAVs capable of heavy cargo transport. With its impressive range, payload capacity, and autonomy features, Hili could really revolutionize air freight, both regionally and globally, and help establish Abu Dhabi as a worldwide hub for autonomous aviation technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/lodd-first-flight-hili-uae-hybrid-heavy-cargo-uav – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lodd-completes-first-flight-of-hili–the-uaes-first-hybrid-heavy-cargo-uav-designed-built-and-tested-in-abu-dhabi-302614667.html – LODD Autonomous has successfully completed the first flight of Hili, the UAE’s first hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) heavy-cargo aircraft, designed, built, and tested in Abu Dhabi. The historic event, held at LODD’s flight test facility at Emirates Falcon Aviation in Al Ain, as part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, represents a defining national milestone in the advancement of autonomous aviation and next-generation cargo logistics. The successful first flight of Hili marks a major engineering and operational achievement for LODD Autonomous, underscoring the UAE’s growing capability to design and manufacture advanced aerospace systems. Developed through an intensive and safety-driven program, Hili demonstrates the nation’s ability to transform vision into reality with speed, precision, and uncompromising safety, achieving flight readiness in record time while meeting rigorous performance and quality standards. With a payload capacity of 250 kilograms and a range of up to 700 kilometres, Hili combines hybrid-electric propulsion with a modular design to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable cargo operations for both regional and international logistics networks. Demonstrating the international confidence in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, LODD Autonomous has established a strong foundation of global and national partnerships: Etihad Cargo (UAE): Earlier this month, on 3 November 2025, LODD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the national carrier’s cargo division, making Etihad Cargo the first adopter of an aircraft designed and built in Abu Dhabi — a proud milestone for the UAE’s aviation sector. EMX (UAE): On 10 November 2025, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit, LODD signed a Collaboration Agreement with EMX, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), to integrate drone logistics into next-generation smart supply chain operations. Skyports Drone Services (United Kingdom): During the first flight ceremony, LODD also signed an agreement with Skyports Drone Services, a trusted global leader in drone operations. Running drone delivery operations for Royal Mail, the NHS and offshore energy leaders such as Equinor and RWE, Skyports sees great potential in Hili for expanding its heavy-lift, long range cargo drone capabilities. ST Engineering (Singapore): During the first flight ceremony, LODD formalized an agreement with ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, to bring Hili into key Asia Pacific markets. This is part of the overall strategic partnership between the two companies. Speaking at the event, Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, said: “The first flight of Hili marks a defining moment for LODD and for Abu Dhabi’s advanced aviation industry. This aircraft was designed, built, and flown in the UAE through an intensive, fast-paced, and safety-first program that reflects the strength of our engineering and national talent. Today, we are proud to see Hili take to the skies as a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s capability to deliver innovation for the world.” Al Manai also extended his appreciation to the UAE’s leadership for their continued support of innovation and advanced autonomous technologies. “Their vision to develop a nationally enabling environment has allowed us to design, manufacture, and test Hili entirely in the UAE — for the world. This milestone demonstrates the UAE’s capability to deliver homegrown technologies with global impact, reinforcing its position as a hub for advanced air mobility and next-generation logistics,” he added. With these achievements, LODD Autonomous reinforces its role as a national champion in advanced air mobility — advancing the UAE’s vision to be a global leader in autonomous systems, sustainable logistics, and future-ready aviation technologies.
- https://en.emirates7.com/article/7497 – In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, LODD Autonomous has conducted the first test flight of Hili, a hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft designed, built and manufactured entirely in Abu Dhabi, during an event held at the company’s flight testing facility at Emirates Falcons Aviation in Al Ain Region, as part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. The Hili aircraft can transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances of nearly 700 kilometres, powered by a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric and internal combustion technologies within a modular design, ensuring high levels of efficiency, safety and sustainability in aerial cargo operations. H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed that Hili’s successful first flight reflects Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the development of autonomous aviation and advanced logistics systems and embodies the emirate’s ambitious vision to transform innovation into applied solutions that drive economic and technological growth.
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/11/13/first-uae-made-hybrid-cargo-aircraft-hili-launched – The aircraft can carry 250-kg and fly up to 300-km connecting transportation hubs and logistics centres directly. Mohammed Abu Al Samen, Staff Reporter Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, witnessed the launch of the first flight of the “Hili” cargo aircraft on Thursday. Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in the UAE by Emirati hands, the hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft is the first civilian aircraft of its kind and is dedicated to medium-range heavy cargo operations. This represents a national achievement and a global innovation in the sustainable air transport sector. Rashid Mattar Al Mannai, CEO of the UAE-based company LODD Autonomous, confirmed that the “Hili” aircraft represents a new generation of independent air cargo systems. It is distinguished by its ability to take off and land vertically using electric power, then switch to horizontal flight using an internal combustion engine. This makes it highly efficient and capable of carrying out real commercial operations. Al Manaei stated that the aircraft can carry 250 kilogrammes and fly up to 300 kilometres, connecting transportation hubs and logistics centres directly. This eliminates the need for airports or complex infrastructure, providing a practical solution for speeding up air transport operations between ports and regional warehouses. He added that “Hili” is equipped with eight electric motors for vertical take-off and landing, as well as an internal combustion engine for horizontal flight. It has two dedicated electronics compartments: one at the front for controlling the flight systems, and one at the rear for aircraft services. There is also a large cargo hold with a flat floor, which is designed for the rapid and easy loading of standard logistics pallets. Al Manaei pointed out that the aircraft is equipped with ground wheels, enabling it to move and manoeuvre autonomously on the ground, eliminating the need for towing or ground support equipment.
- https://emiratitimes.com/hili-aircraft-test-flight-al-ain/ – The cargo aircraft is capable of transporting payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of nearly 700 kilometers. Image: News BureauBy News BureauNov 13, 2025 Fujairah: LODD Autonomous successfully carried out the first test flight of ‘Hili,’ a hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft fully designed, developed, and manufactured in Abu Dhabi. The milestone test flight, held as part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, took place at the company’s flight-testing facility at Emirates Falcons Aviation in Al Ain, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Hili aircraft is capable of transporting payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of nearly 700 kilometers. It operates on a hybrid propulsion system that merges electric and internal combustion technologies within a modular design, ensuring high standards of efficiency, safety, and sustainability in aerial cargo operations.
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/transport/in-the-presence-of-zayed-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-lodd-autonomous-conducts-first-test-flight-of-hili-aircraft-in-al-ain-region/ – The Hili aircraft can transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances of nearly 700 kilometres, powered by a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric and internal combustion technologies within a modular design, ensuring high levels of efficiency, safety and sustainability in aerial cargo operations. His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed that Hili’s successful first flight reflects Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the development of autonomous aviation and advanced logistics systems and embodies the emirate’s ambitious vision to transform innovation into applied solutions that drive economic and technological growth. His Highness also commended the significant progress achieved by the sector in developing and manufacturing intelligent and autonomous systems in Abu Dhabi, particularly in advanced air mobility, thanks to the continued support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. His Highness emphasised that this achievement reflects the leadership’s priorities of empowering national talent, fostering local innovation and reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a global hub for sustainable air mobility and autonomous technologies.
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 is based on a press release issued on November 13, 2025, detailing the first flight of Hili, the UAE’s first hybrid heavy-cargo UAV. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lodd-completes-first-flight-of-hili–the-uaes-first-hybrid-heavy-cargo-uav-designed-built-and-tested-in-abu-dhabi-302614667.html?utm_source=openai)) This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lodd-completes-first-flight-of-hili–the-uaes-first-hybrid-heavy-cargo-uav-designed-built-and-tested-in-abu-dhabi-302614667.html?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, and His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are consistent across multiple reputable sources, including the press release and coverage by The National. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/partner-content/2025/11/13/uaes-lodd-autonomous-completes-first-test-flight-of-abu-dhabi-built-uav//?utm_source=openai)) This consistency suggests the quotes are accurately attributed and not fabricated.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by LODD Autonomous, a reputable organisation in the UAE’s aerospace sector. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lodd-completes-first-flight-of-hili–the-uaes-first-hybrid-heavy-cargo-uav-designed-built-and-tested-in-abu-dhabi-302614667.html?utm_source=openai)) The press release is also covered by established media outlets such as The National, further confirming the reliability of the information. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/partner-content/2025/11/13/uaes-lodd-autonomous-completes-first-test-flight-of-abu-dhabi-built-uav//?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the Hili aircraft’s capabilities—transporting up to 250 kilograms over distances of nearly 700 kilometres using a hybrid propulsion system—are consistent with the information provided in the press release and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lodd-completes-first-flight-of-hili–the-uaes-first-hybrid-heavy-cargo-uav-designed-built-and-tested-in-abu-dhabi-302614667.html?utm_source=openai)) The involvement of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the event adds credibility to the narrative. ([en.emirates7.com](https://en.emirates7.com/article/7497?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from LODD Autonomous, detailing the first flight of the Hili aircraft, the UAE’s first hybrid heavy-cargo UAV. The information is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including established media outlets and direct quotes from key figures involved in the event. There are no indications of recycled content, unverifiable entities, or disinformation, leading to a high confidence in the accuracy and originality of the report.
