Press Release
Jordan Daily – LODD Autonomous, the UAE’s pioneer in advanced air mobility, and Aramex, a global leader in logistics and transportation, have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the integration of Hili, a next-generation hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft, into Aramex’s Middle East delivery network.
As part of a pilot program, both companies will develop Hili’s testing programs to streamline middle-mile delivery by transporting goods directly between Aramex hubs and distribution centers, eliminating dependence on airports and expediting turnaround time.
With a payload capacity of 250 kilograms and a range up to 700 kilometers, Hili is engineered for high efficiency across varied terrains and tight delivery windows, making it an ideal solution for Aramex’s fast-moving logistics operations.
As part of their partnership, Aramex and LODD are launching a dedicated pilot project in Abu Dhabi to assess the feasibility of delivering parcels and documents via unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This pilot aims to assess both the operational practicality and the economic viability of deploying autonomous unmanned aircraft at scale within Aramex’s network.
LODD Autonomous CEO, Rashid Al Manai, said: “Aramex has long been a pioneer in adopting advanced technologies to enhance the logistics sector. Through this collaboration, we demonstrate how Hili can be integrated smoothly into existing operations, delivering increased speed, safety, and predictability to middle-mile delivery. This pilot program is not only a milestone for LODD but also a step towards redefining how autonomous aerial logistics can support high-demand, time-critical networks across the region.”
“This partnership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in last- and middle-mile logistics,” said Nicolas Sibuet, Acting Group CEO of Aramex. “By working with LODD Autonomous, we aim to test new autonomous technologies that can deliver smarter, faster, and greener outcomes for our customers across the Middle East.”
The pilot has two phases, with the first focusing on delivering parcels from Aramex’s Musaffah facility to two temporary drone delivery points in Abu Dhabi. These points will serve as drop zones where couriers can collect shipments and deliver them directly to nearby areas, reducing driving time and improving overall route efficiency. The second phase, which will depend on the results of the first, involves expanding the pilot to cover deliveries from the Musaffah facility to three additional areas using a longer-range drone platform. This phase will evaluate how the technology performs over greater distances and in more complex routing scenarios, time, and improve overall route efficiency.
Both phases are exploratory and aimed at gaining knowledge. The pilot’s goal is to evaluate whether deploying autonomous unmanned aircraft at scale can enhance the efficiency of middle- and last-mile deliveries. To support this, Aramex and LODD will run operational workshops to align on processes, regulatory issues, and technical requirements for safe and reliable UAS operations, while also establishing a clear path to full commercial deployment if the pilot proves to be operationally and economically viable.
The pilot is supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and represents an important step forward in advancing Abu Dhabi’s logistics and innovation ecosystem, while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global testbed for next-generation mobility solutions.
