Al Ain:LODD Autonomous has announced significant progress in its air mobility initiatives, with over 330 orders received for its Hili aircraft. Rashid Matar Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, highlighted Al Ain's role as a promising hub for developing and testing advanced air mobility technologies, thanks to support from Abu Dhabi's robust infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Manai noted that Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework and technological capabilities enabled LODD to develop the Hili aircraft in just 18 months, a process that usually takes five to seven years in other markets. This swift development underscores Abu Dhabi's readiness and appeal as an investment destination.

Currently, LODD is manufacturing additional aircraft and upgrading its technology. The operational testing phase is expected to conclude within two months, with technical testing set to be completed by the end of 2026. Subsequently, a commercial trial phase is planned for mid-2027, which will lead to the launch of advanced air mobility services and international expansion upon successful demonstration in Al Ain.

Since the Hili aircraft was unveiled in September 2025, LODD has secured agreements with more than 11 local and international partners. Over 70 percent of these agreements are with entities outside the UAE, demonstrating global confidence in LODD and Abu Dhabi's advanced technology ecosystem.

LODD Autonomous, founded in 2023 and based in Abu Dhabi, focuses on developing next-generation autonomous systems for middle-mile cargo logistics. The Hili aircraft, a hybrid vertical take-off and landing unmanned vehicle, is designed to carry payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of approximately 700 kilometers. The company's strategy emphasizes sustainability, scalability, and operational efficiency to foster an integrated air mobility ecosystem for the future of logistics in both the UAE and international markets.