Etihad Cargo has signed a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi‑based LODD Autonomous to trial LODD’s 'Hili' hybrid VTOL as a self‑piloted freighter for middle‑mile logistics. Demonstration flights are planned in Abu Dhabi in 2Q26 to evaluate autonomous operations, payload integration and airspace procedures.
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Briefing
The programme will put a hybrid VTOL cargo demonstrator into Abu Dhabi airspace in 2Q26 to validate autonomous middle‑mile operations, payload handling and required airspace procedures — core enablers for scaling AAM freight.
This trial connects the growing body of autonomous flight validation work, including recent industry efforts on integrated autonomy and flight testing (see Airbus' recent second autonomous flight test) and pilotless VTOL designs with substantive payload capability (see reports on a pilotless VTOL with 200+ kg payload).
Outcomes will inform BVLOS, airspace and operational integration requirements already being explored in other national trials (see Australia’s BVLOS drone operations trial), which regulators and cargo network planners will monitor closely.
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Etihad Cargo to trial LODD’s 'Hili' hybrid VTOL for UAE point-to-point freight • aircargovision.net
Cargo Facts
• Yael Katzwer
Etihad Cargo to test LODD 'Hili' hybrid VTOL in UAE logistics trial • cargotalkgcc.com
Etihad Cargo to explore integration of LODD Autonomous 'Hili' hybrid VTOL for UAE cargo operations • Urban Air Mobility News