This is Emirates HILI. Photo: Emirates SkyCargo The last day of the Dubai Airshow 2025 saw Emirates SkyCargo sign a Memorandum of Understanding with LODD Autonomous to explore and develop the next generation of air cargo solutions.
As part of the agreement, the two companies will conduct research, compatibility trials, and regulatory activities to examine the integration of vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Emirates destinations.
Emirates SkyCargo Head and Vice President, Bader Abbas: “This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customers’ transportation challenges. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology.”
Emirates at the Dubai Air Show. Photo: EmiratesThe move follows the successful first test flight of "Hili", a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle developed in Abu Dhabi, capable of carrying a payload of up to 250 kilograms and operating over distances of up to 700 kilometers. Emirates SkyCargo will explore integrating "Hili" into its ground fleet to manage operations at the company's two main airports.