Lodd Autonomous to begin demo flights of its VTOLs for middle-mile delivery in 2Q26

Lodd Autonomous will begin demonstration flights in Abu Dhabi of its hybrid VTOL aircraft for middle-mile delivery in the second quarter of 2026, Lodd’s CEO told Cargo Facts . Testing will begin with two of Lodd’s Hili autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft, with plans to add more aircraft once data from the first operational cycle is validated, Lodd Chief Executive Rashid Al Manai said. [caption id="attachment_57292735" align="aligncenter" width="1919"] Lodd Autonomous' Hili hybrid VTOL aircraft. (Courtesy/Lodd Autonomous)[/caption] The demo flights are part of an agreement Lodd signed today with Etihad Cargo to explore using hybrid VTOL aircraft for middle-mile delivery, according to a release today from the carrier. Etihad Cargo and Lodd will use the flights to validate operational and logistical performance and ensure regulatory compliance under Etihad Cargo’s supervision and oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates, Al Manai said. “The Hili aircraft will focus on middle-mile logistics, transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods such as spare parts, medical shipments and e-commerce payloads,” Al Manai said. “The routes will connect Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi logistics hub with nearby regional distribution points and industrial zones, showcasing point-to-point capability without reliance on airport infrastructure.” Lodd and Etihad Cargo will consider these key performance indicators when evaluating test results: Operational efficiency, including turnaround and charging/refueling cycles; Payload and range consistency; Cost-per-kilogram-kilometer performance versus ground transport; and Reliability, safety and autonomy performance metrics. Hili’s advantages As a hybrid VTOL , the Hili does not require a runway or traditional airport infrastructure. “By creating direct air corridors between logistic hubs and warehouses, it enables seamless and rapid transfers,” Al Manai said. “This is especially important for high-value, time-sensitive shipments such as pharmaceuticals and industrial components, where even minor delays can disrupt operations and lead to substantial financial losses.” The Hili can carry 250 kilograms of cargo over 300 kilometers with a cruise speed of 100 knots, according to Lodd. The uncrewed aerial vehicle has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,350 kilograms and is 8.9 meters long and 3.1 meters high with a wingspan of 11.9 meters Etihad Cargo plans to use the VTOLs to complement its conventional fleet of five production 777Fs with agile, short-range capacity that enhances speed, operational resilience and sustainable logistics, the carrier said in the release. As part of the trial, Etihad Cargo will consider integrating Hili aircraft into its fleet, the release said. In addition to Etihad Cargo, Lodd is working with logistics operators across the Gulf Cooperation Council and Asia, Al Manai said. Firm commitments for the Hili include ten units for Skyports , fifteen units for ST Engineering and multiple letters of intent from regional cargo operators for deployment between 2026 and 2028, he said. Cargo Facts LATAM 2026, the essential event for stakeholders in Latin America, will take place Feb. 10-12 at the Marquis Reforma in Mexico City. Learn more and register by Dec. 26 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

Lodd Autonomous to begin demo flights of its VTOLs for middle-mile delivery in 2Q26

Flights are part of an agreement with Etihad Cargo to explore Lodd’s Hili aircraft, which can carry 250kg of cargo over 300km

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