DHL Express and LODD Sign MoU to Explore Integration of Unmanned Hili Aircraft into Delivery Operations
In a major step toward advancing autonomous logistics in the UAE, DHL Express and LODD Autonomous have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore how LODD’s unmanned Hili aircraft could be integrated into DHL’s express delivery network.
The agreement was signed by Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, and Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations for the Middle East and North Africa at DHL Express. As part of the next phase, both companies will conduct joint operational workshops to identify priority routes, define specific use cases, and assess how the Hili aircraft can enhance DHL’s last-mile delivery operations.
“As the global leader in international express delivery, speed and reliability are essential to maintaining our strong market position,” said Spiga. “In fast-growing regions like the UAE, where road congestion poses new challenges, innovations such as LODD’s unmanned Hili aircraft present a sustainable way forward to meet rising demand effectively.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, stated: “Partnering with DHL Express reflects the UAE’s ambition to lead the world in advanced air mobility and smart logistics. Designed and developed in the UAE, the Hili unmanned aircraft is purpose-built for the region’s operational demands, from urban density to long-distance connectivity. This collaboration positions the UAE at the forefront of autonomous cargo operations and supports the nation’s vision for innovative, future-ready infrastructure.”
He added that the upcoming joint workshops will focus on route definition, payload optimization, turnaround times, and system interoperability to ensure the safe, reliable, and scalable deployment of the aircraft.
Founded in 2023, LODD Autonomous is a UAE-based pioneer in advanced air mobility, specializing in next-generation autonomous systems for cargo logistics. Its flagship model, the Hili unmanned aircraft, is designed for both last- and middle-mile delivery. It can carry a payload of up to 250 kg or two Euro pallets, features Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability, and boasts a range of 700 km (with an additional 30-minute reserve) and a maximum cruise altitude of 14,000 feet. These specifications enable efficient operations across diverse and challenging terrains.
DHL Express, which has operated in the UAE for 50 years, currently manages around 40 locations nationwide — including service points, gateways, and hubs — and operates a fleet of over 350 vehicles. The company also supports more than 150 daily flight connections from the UAE, powered by its own fleet of DHL aircraft. With continuous investments in automation and digital innovation, DHL remains committed to enhancing logistics efficiency and sustainability across the region.
The partnership between DHL Express and LODD Autonomous signals a new era for the UAE’s logistics industry — one that blends innovation, sustainability, and advanced air mobility to redefine how goods are transported in an increasingly connected world.
