Global logistics leader DHL Express is taking a major step toward the future of delivery, and it starts in Abu Dhabi. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with homegrown drone manufacturer LODD Autonomous to explore integrating LODD’s unmanned Hili aircraft into its express delivery network across the UAE.
Meet the Hili
Built and designed entirely in the UAE, the Hili is no ordinary drone. It boasts a maximum payload of 250 kg, can carry two Euro pallets, and has a range of 700 km with a 30-minute reserve. It features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability and cruises at up to 14,000 ft, purpose-built for both urban density and long-distance logistics.
Why DHL Is Moving Now
The UAE’s rapid growth is creating pressure on traditional road-based logistics. “In fast-growing regions like the UAE, where road congestion poses new challenges, innovations such as LODD’s unmanned Hili aircraft present a sustainable way forward to meet the rising demand effectively,” said Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations Middle East & North Africa, DHL Express.
DHL has operated in the UAE for 50 years, running 40+ locations and over 150 daily flights, making LODD’s integration into its existing infrastructure a natural next step.
What Happens Next
Both teams will begin joint operational workshops to define priority routes, optimise payloads, accelerate turnaround times, and assess system interoperability for scalable deployment. Commercial drone operations are targeted for Q3–Q4 2026.
The Bigger Picture
LODD also has a similar agreement with Aramex, and its work is backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the General Civil Aviation Authority. The UAE aims to grow its logistics sector to AED 200 billion by 2030 — and autonomous air cargo is a key part of that roadmap.
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