LODD eyes 2027 cross-border drone flight

LODD Autonomous plans to conduct a cross-border autonomous cargo drone flight from the UAE to a neighbouring country in 2027, as it moves towards pilot testing of its Hili hybrid vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

The flight would be carried out with logistics service providers and is planned as part of the aircraft’s pilot testing phase. The company is continuing flight tests in Al Ain and preparing its final certification application with the relevant authorities.

Rashid Matar Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, said the company was preparing for initial manufacturing ahead of the 2027 pilot phase.

The cross-border test could provide a practical route for autonomous aircraft to move cargo between countries, while helping test the regulatory, operational and logistics requirements involved in international drone freight. This could support the use of unmanned aircraft for regional cargo movements where speed and direct connections are important.

LODD Autonomous has received more than 330 HILI orders from local and international companies, with overseas orders accounting for more than 70%. The company employs more than 100 people, including graduates of UAE universities.