Abu Dhabi has marked a major leap in its advanced aviation journey as LODD Autonomous successfully completed the first test flight of Hili, a hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft engineered and manufactured entirely in the UAE.
The landmark demonstration took place at the Emirates Falcons Aviation flight testing facility in Al Ain during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Hili represents a breakthrough in the region’s autonomous aviation capabilities.
Designed to carry up to 250 kilograms across nearly 700 kilometres, the aircraft uses a hybrid propulsion system combining electric and internal combustion technologies. Its modular design enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability — positioning Hili as a transformative solution for next-generation aerial cargo operations.
HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed that the successful test flight highlights Abu Dhabi’s increasing leadership in autonomous aviation, advanced logistics, and intelligent mobility systems. He noted that Hili embodies the emirate’s vision of converting innovation into real-world applications that stimulate economic and technological growth.
His Highness praised the accelerated progress of Abu Dhabi’s autonomous systems sector, especially in advanced air mobility, driven by the continued backing of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council.
He emphasized that such achievements reflect the UAE’s commitment to empowering national talent, nurturing homegrown capabilities, and strengthening the nation’s global standing in sustainable air mobility technologies.
His Excellency Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, hailed the test flight as a defining moment. He highlighted its significance in fast-tracking advancements in the air mobility and logistics sectors, calling it proof of Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment in building globally competitive innovation locally.
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, echoed this sentiment, stating that Hili represents years of development, design excellence, and rigorous engineering. He noted that the aircraft’s success reflects the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for smart, autonomous, and sustainable aviation technologies.
The test flight, attended by government leaders and private-sector partners, marked an engineering milestone for Abu Dhabi. It demonstrated the emirate’s rapidly expanding capabilities in designing, building, and deploying advanced aviation platforms.
Developed through a demanding engineering programme focused on safety, precision, and quality, Hili exemplifies how Abu Dhabi is turning visionary ambitions into real-world industrial achievements at remarkable speed.
Hili’s development is the result of broad strategic collaboration, reinforcing the UAE’s strengthening global reputation as a fertile environment for innovation. The project showcases the success of Abu Dhabi’s public-private partnership model, accelerating the delivery of future-oriented technologies and moving the nation closer to a sustainable, autonomous air mobility era.