Abu Dhabi: DHL Express has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous to explore integrating the UAE-built Hili unmanned aircraft into its regional delivery network.
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, and Bachi Spiga, Vice President of Network Operations Middle East and North Africa at DHL Express, formalized the agreement. With the MoU in place, both teams will move into joint operational workshops to identify priority routes, define use cases, and evaluate how the Hili platform can support last-mile and middle-mile delivery.
Moving Toward Autonomous Cargo Integration
DHL will assess how Hili aircraft can strengthen its existing network across the UAE and the wider region. The evaluation will focus on route planning, payload optimization, turnaround time, and system interoperability to ensure safe and scalable deployment.
Rashid Al Manai stated that Hili was engineered specifically for regional conditions, including dense urban environments and long-distance connectivity challenges. He emphasized that the collaboration supports the UAE’s broader push toward autonomous cargo operations and future-ready infrastructure.
Hili Aircraft Capabilities
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, LODD Autonomous focuses on advanced air mobility solutions. Its flagship aircraft, Hili, targets cargo transport across last- and middle-mile segments.
The unmanned aircraft carries a maximum payload of 250 kilograms and accommodates two Euro pallets. It features vertical take-off and landing capability, allowing operations without traditional runways. Hili can travel up to 700 kilometers while maintaining a 30-minute reserve and reach a maximum cruise altitude of 14,000 feet.
These specifications position it as a potential complement to conventional air and ground logistics.
DHL’s Regional Footprint
DHL Express has operated in the United Arab Emirates for 50 years and now manages around 40 facilities nationwide, including service points, gateways, and hubs. In addition, the company supports its ground network with more than 350 vehicles and operates over 150 daily flights from the UAE through its own fleet.
However, Bachi Spiga noted that fast-growing markets such as the UAE are experiencing rising road congestion. He explained that unmanned aircraft like Hili could provide a more sustainable alternative, helping meet growing delivery demand while preserving overall network efficiency.
Through this trial phase, DHL and LODD will assess whether autonomous aircraft can integrate smoothly into existing express logistics systems and expand cargo capacity, without adding further pressure to ground traffic.
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, and Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations Middle East & North Africa, DHL Express at LODD Autonomous’ facility in Abu Dhabi.
DHL
