Hili takes flight: Abu Dhabi’s homegrown hybrid cargo aircraft soars in Al Ain (VIDEO)
Hybrid aircraft built and tested entirely in the UAE’s capital
ABU DHABI – In a landmark moment for the UAE’s aviation industry, LODD Autonomous has conducted the first test flight of Hili, a hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft designed, built and manufactured entirely in Abu Dhabi.
The flight took place at Emirates Falcons Aviation’s testing facility in Al Ain Region as part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, attended by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Hili aircraft
The Hili aircraft represents a new chapter in the emirate’s drive toward advanced air mobility. Capable of carrying payloads up to 250 kilograms across nearly 700 kilometres, it operates on a hybrid propulsion system that blends electric and internal combustion technologies. The modular design delivers high levels of efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability in aerial cargo transport – a key goal in Abu Dhabi’s vision for next-generation logistics.
The aircraft’s engineering showcases innovation rooted in Abu Dhabi’s expanding technology ecosystem. Developed through a rigorous research and testing programme, Hili was designed for optimal precision and safety while maintaining energy efficiency. Its hybrid system reduces emissions and enhances endurance, offering a practical solution for logistics and emergency operations in remote regions.
Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that the successful first flight demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s leadership in autonomous aviation and advanced logistics. He noted that Hili embodies the emirate’s ambition to translate innovation into real-world solutions that drive economic and technological growth.
He also commended the efforts of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council for its role in supporting the development and manufacturing of intelligent systems in the UAE.
Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, described the event as a pivotal step forward for the nation’s logistics and air mobility sectors. He said the achievement highlights Abu Dhabi’s long-term investment in homegrown innovation that competes on a global scale.
Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, said the company’s mission aligns with the UAE’s strategy for advanced air mobility and autonomous systems. “We take great pride in witnessing Hili’s success – the culmination of years of innovation and collaboration. This achievement reflects the UAE’s growing status as a global centre for technology and sustainable aviation,” he said.
Air mobility in Abu Dhabi
The successful flight, attended by senior representatives from both public and private sectors, marks a major engineering milestone for Abu Dhabi’s industrial landscape. It underlines the emirate’s growing capability in designing and manufacturing advanced aviation systems – from concept to completion – within local facilities.
The achievement also reflects Abu Dhabi’s expanding network of international collaborations that support its goal of becoming a global hub for autonomous systems. Through public-private partnerships and a focus on sustainability, the emirate continues to advance its vision of transforming mobility through innovation and technology.