UAE’s LODD Autonomous Launches Hili Cargo Aircraft Certification Program
Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous has launched the formal certification program for its Hili autonomous cargo aircraft with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), marking a significant milestone in the development of advanced air mobility and middle-mile logistics solutions.
The certification program moves Hili from development and flight testing into the pathway toward commercial operations, positioning the hybrid-electric aircraft as a potential enabler of faster and more flexible cargo transportation across the UAE and the wider region.
Designed and developed in Abu Dhabi, Hili is a hybrid-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of up to 700 kilometers. The aircraft has been purpose-built to support civilian logistics operations, with potential applications spanning healthcare, energy, humanitarian response, offshore operations, industrial supply chains, and regional cargo transportation.
Certification Program Enters Formal Phase
The certification process will include aircraft design approval activities, airworthiness compliance demonstrations, ground and flight testing, operational evaluations, and comprehensive safety assessments. These steps are required to demonstrate compliance with applicable aviation standards before the aircraft can enter commercial service.
The program is being conducted under the supervision of the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with the GCAA serving as the certifying authority. The initiative is also supported by key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s advanced mobility ecosystem, including the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) through its Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster.
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, described the launch of the certification program as one of the most significant milestones in the aircraft’s development.
“The launch of the Hili certification program marks one of the most significant milestones in the evolution of the aircraft and reflects the progress we have made across design, engineering and flight testing. Entering formal certification demonstrates the maturity of the Hili program and moves Hili from development into the pathway towards commercial operations.”
Al Manai added that the company is working closely with the GCAA to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards of airworthiness and safety.
Advancing Middle-Mile Logistics
The launch of the Hili certification program comes as governments, logistics providers, and technology companies increasingly explore autonomous solutions to improve cargo transportation and supply chain resilience.
Unlike small last-mile delivery drones, Hili has been designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, enabling cargo transportation between cities, industrial zones, logistics hubs, airports, and remote operational sites without relying on conventional runway infrastructure.
The aircraft’s capabilities could prove particularly valuable for sectors requiring fast and reliable movement of goods, including healthcare supply chains, urgent spare-parts delivery, offshore energy operations, and humanitarian logistics.
As e-commerce, healthcare delivery, and regional trade continue to accelerate, demand for more flexible transportation networks is also increasing. Autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft have the potential to establish more direct routes between logistics nodes, reducing dependency on traditional road networks and enabling faster movement of critical cargo.
Upon certification, Hili is expected to support a broad range of commercial applications, including middle-mile logistics, healthcare supply chains, offshore operations, humanitarian response, and regional cargo transportation.
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Advanced Mobility Ambitions
The Hili certification program also reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for smart mobility and advanced aviation technologies. By bringing together regulators, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem partners, the initiative demonstrates the emirate’s collaborative approach to developing and deploying next-generation transportation solutions.
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said the initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.
“Advanced aircraft programs such as Hili play an important role in the evolution of aviation and support the safe integration of next-generation technologies into the national aviation ecosystem.”
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, noted that the certification of advanced autonomous aviation systems such as Hili represents an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s integrated mobility ecosystem. Meanwhile, Ali AlHashmi, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, regulators, and ecosystem partners in advancing next-generation aviation technologies.
Toward Commercial Deployment
Founded in 2023, LODD Autonomous develops autonomous aviation and advanced logistics solutions from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. As the certification process progresses, Hili could become one of the first advanced autonomous civilian aircraft to be designed, engineered, and certified in the UAE.
For the logistics and e-commerce sectors, the program highlights the growing role of autonomous aviation in the future of cargo transportation. If successfully certified and deployed, Hili could contribute to a new generation of autonomous logistics networks, enabling faster, more flexible, and more resilient movement of goods across the UAE and beyond.