DHL Express, the global express logistics provider, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LODD Autonomous to evaluate the integration of LODD’s Hili unmanned aircraft into the UAE express delivery network.
The agreement represents a significant step in advancing autonomous cargo capabilities in the UAE and accelerating the adoption of next-generation air mobility solutions within its logistics ecosystem.
Under the deal, both parties will initiate a series of operational workshops aimed at identifying priority routes and defining practical use cases for unmanned cargo delivery.
The collaboration seeks to assess how advanced air mobility solutions can enhance speed, reliability, and sustainability across DHL’s logistics network.
Bachi Spiga Vice President Network Operations MENA DHL Express
“Maintaining delivery speed and service reliability remains central to our competitive edge. In fast-growing markets such as the UAE, rising road congestion presents increasing logistical challenges. Innovations like LODD’s unmanned Hili aircraft offer a forward-looking and sustainable alternative to traditional transport methods, enabling us to meet evolving customer demands more efficiently.”
LODD Autonomous generally focuses on next-generation autonomous cargo systems. Its flagship Hili aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 250 kilograms, can carry two Euro pallets, and features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.
With a range of 700 kilometers, plus a 30-minute reserve, and a maximum cruise altitude of 14,000 feet, the aircraft is engineered for efficient deployment in diverse and challenging environments.
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, remarked that, “Partnering with DHL Express reflects the UAE’s ambition to lead the world in advanced air mobility and smart logistics. Designed and developed in the UAE, the Hili unmanned aircraft is purpose-built for the region’s operational demands, from urban density to long-distance connectivity. This collaboration positions the UAE at the forefront of autonomous cargo operations and supports the nation’s vision for innovative, future-ready infrastructure. Through joint operational workshops, we will focus on route definition, payload optimization, turnaround times, and system interoperability to ensure safe, reliable, and scalable deployment.”
