Hili Takes Off: UAE Makes History with First Home-Built Hybrid Cargo Aircraft

The United Arab Emirates has taken a major step forward in advancing air-cargo innovation following the maiden test flight of its home-grown hybrid cargo aircraft, named Hili, developed by LODD Autonomous in Abu Dhabi.

The unveiling took place at LODD Autonomous’s flight-testing facility in Al Ain during the opening days of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, and was attended by senior UAE leadership, including Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Design and Technical Milestones

Hili is built entirely within the UAE, representing a flagship effort to domestically design, manufacture and test advanced aviation systems. Key features of this first-generation platform include:

• A hybrid propulsion system combining vertical lift electric motors with a combustion engine for cruise flight.

• A payload capacity of up to 250 kg and an operational range of approximately 700 km.

• Modular cargo bay architecture optimized for “middle-mile” logistics - the phase between major hubs and local distribution.

Strategic Significance and Vision

The successful test flight is more than a technical demonstration; it signals the UAE’s ambitions to establish itself as a hub for next-generation air-mobility and autonomous logistics. The government framed the event as an affirmation of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in aerospace innovation and smart systems.

According to LODD Autonomous CEO Rashid Al Manai, the flight “marks a defining moment” for the company and for the UAE’s capability to turn cutting-edge engineering into operational reality.

Wider Implications for Logistics

Analysts say that Hili’s design addresses a growing need for flexible cargo logistics, especially for time-sensitive loads, remote or hard-to-access locations, and where runway infrastructure is limited.

The UAE’s logistics industry has long sought to reduce reliance on traditional road and sea links by adding aerial capacity. Hili’s hybrid VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) form aims to bridge that gap.

Moreover, the project aligns with national sustainability goals by improving cargo efficiency and enabling new air-corridor models.

What’s Next

LODD Autonomous has begun a structured flight-test programme to expand the aircraft’s envelope (altitude, speed, payload) and move toward commercial operations. The company also announced MoUs with various global players to explore adoption and deployment of the Hili platform.

While a full commercial rollout has not been pinned to an exact date, industry watchers expect initial operations within the next year or two, pending regulatory approval and infrastructure build-out.

With the first flight of Hili, the UAE has laid important groundwork for a new era of air-cargo logistics - one that is autonomous, hybrid-driven and better integrated into the broader supply-chain ecosystem. The flight is a tangible milestone in the region’s aviation ambitions.

Read More: Etihad Cargo Partners with LODD Autonomous to Streamline Middle-Mile Delivery