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DHL Express and LODD Autonomous have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to look at how LODD’s Hili unmanned aircraft could work within DHL’s delivery network. The next step is a series of joint operational workshops to identify suitable routes and use cases for unmanned cargo delivery.
DHL Express and LODD Autonomous have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin exploring how LODD’s Hili unmanned aircraft could be integrated into DHL’s express delivery network in the UAE. Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, and Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations Middle East and North Africa at DHL Express, signed the agreement. Both teams will now run joint operational workshops to define priority routes and identify practical use cases for unmanned cargo delivery.
“As the global leader in international express delivery, speed and reliability are essential to maintaining our strong market position. 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 the rising demand effectively,” said Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations Middle East and North Africa, DHL Express.
“Partnering with DHL Express reflects the UAE’s ambition to lead the world in advanced air mobility and smart logistics,” said Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD. “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. Through joint operational workshops, we will focus on route definition, payload optimization, turnaround times, and system interoperability to ensure safe, reliable, and scalable deployment.”
LODD Autonomous was founded in 2023 and is based in the UAE. The company develops autonomous systems for cargo logistics, with the Hili aircraft as its primary product for last- and middle-mile delivery. The Hili carries a maximum payload of 250 kg and can transport two Euro pallets. It has vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability, a range of 700 km with a 30-minute reserve, and a maximum cruise altitude of 14,000 ft, which allows it to operate across a range of environments and conditions.
DHL Express has operated in the UAE for 50 years. The company runs a network of around 40 locations across the country, including service points, gateways, and hubs, and operates more than 350 vehicles. It also handles more than 150 daily flight connections from the UAE using its own aircraft fleet. These assets, combined with ongoing investment in new technology, support the company’s ability to serve businesses and consumers across one of the world’s busiest logistics markets.
