Middle East Update: LODD Autonomous and UAE's GCAA Launch Type Certification Program for Hili Hybrid Cargo Aircraft
Abu Dhabi-based drone developer LODD Autonomous has formally initiated the airworthiness certification process for its Hili hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Capable of carrying up to 250 kg of payload over a range of 700 km, Hili is one of the longest-range cargo drone programs currently under development in the region, targeting medical, energy, and humanitarian supply chain applications.
Highlights
- LODD Autonomous and the UAE GCAA have formally launched the airworthiness certification program for the Hili hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft, transitioning it from R&D and flight testing to the official certification phase.
- Hili has a maximum payload capacity of 250 kg and a range of 700 km, positioning it as one of the longest-range cargo drone programs currently under development in the Middle East.
- The certification program is overseen by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and supported by Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre and ADIO's SAVI cluster.
- Target commercial applications include middle-mile logistics, medical supply chains, offshore operations, and humanitarian relief.
- Hili is expected to become the first advanced autonomous civil aircraft to be fully designed, developed, and certified within the UAE.
LODD Autonomous and UAE's GCAA Launch Type Certification Program for Hili Hybrid Cargo Aircraft
Abu Dhabi-based drone developer LODD Autonomous has formally launched the airworthiness certification program for its Hili hybrid-powered cargo aircraft in partnership with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), marking the vehicle's transition from research, development, and flight testing into the formal certification phase.
Hili Aircraft Overview
Hili is a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft designed and developed by LODD in Abu Dhabi. Its core specifications include:
- Maximum payload: 250 kg
- Maximum range: 700 km
- Positioning: One of the longest-range cargo drone programs currently under development in the region
The aircraft is designed to transform regional cargo transport, enabling faster, more efficient, and sustainable supply chains for medical, energy, humanitarian relief, and industrial applications.
Milestone Significance
LODD CEO Rashid Al Manai stated: "The launch of the Hili certification program represents one of the most significant milestones in the aircraft's development journey, reflecting the progress we have made across design, engineering, and flight testing. Entering the formal certification process demonstrates the technical maturity of the Hili program and advances it from development toward commercial operations. This brings us one step closer to delivering a UAE-developed cargo aircraft system with supervised autonomous capabilities, transforming how critical goods are transported within the UAE, across the region, and globally."
Certification Program Scope
The certification program will be conducted under the oversight of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with the GCAA serving as the certifying authority throughout. The program encompasses:
- Aircraft design approval activities
- Airworthiness compliance verification
- Ground and flight testing
- Operational assessments
- Safety evaluations
The initiative is also supported by key stakeholders within the Abu Dhabi aviation ecosystem, including the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster under the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Stakeholder Responses
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety at the GCAA, commented: "The launch of the Hili certification program demonstrates the UAE's commitment to driving innovation while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards. Through close collaboration with industry stakeholders, the GCAA will continue to support the development and certification of advanced aviation technologies, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in global aviation innovation."
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: "The certification of advanced autonomous aviation systems such as Hili is a pivotal step in advancing Abu Dhabi's integrated mobility ecosystem, reflecting Abu Dhabi's continued commitment to integrating next-generation aviation technologies into a connected, future-ready transport network."
Ali AlHashmi, Head of ADIO's SAVI cluster, added: "Hili's entry into the formal certification phase is a testament to the strength of the collaborative environment built among industry, regulators, and ecosystem partners. Abu Dhabi continues to provide the infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and business-friendly environment needed to accelerate the future of advanced aviation."
Commercial Applications
Upon receiving certification, Hili is expected to support a range of commercial applications, including:
- Middle-mile logistics
- Medical supply chains
- Offshore operations
- Humanitarian relief
- Regional cargo transport
As the program progresses, Hili is poised to strengthen the UAE's autonomous aviation capabilities and support the development of a next-generation cargo transport network extending from Abu Dhabi to regional and global markets. The program also represents a significant breakthrough for the UAE in autonomous civil aviation — Hili is expected to become the first advanced autonomous civil aircraft to be designed, developed, and certified entirely within the UAE.
Source: eVTOL Insights
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