DHL Express has entered a new exploratory partnership with Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous to assess how unmanned aircraft could support express logistics in the United Arab Emirates. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Abu Dhabi on February 23, 2026, marking an initial step toward integrating LODD’s “Hili” unmanned aircraft into parts of DHL’s delivery network. The announcement reflects growing interest across the logistics sector in alternative transport modes that can relieve pressure on roads while maintaining time-definite service expectations.
Agreement Details
The MoU was signed by Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD, and Bachi Spiga, Vice President Network Operations for the Middle East and North Africa at DHL Express. Under the agreement, the two organizations will begin joint operational workshops designed to translate the concept into practical operating plans. Those sessions are expected to map potential routes, prioritize use cases, and outline how an unmanned aircraft solution could fit into DHL’s last-mile delivery processes.
Why Autonomous Air Cargo
DHL positioned the collaboration as a response to the operational realities of fast-growing markets, where congestion can constrain road-based distribution and put pressure on delivery speed. Spiga said the company is evaluating new approaches that can protect reliability and service quality as demand increases, particularly in the UAE where logistics volumes continue to rise. The companies also framed the effort as part of a broader shift toward more sustainable transport options, with unmanned aviation presented as one possible complement to existing ground and air networks.
What the Hili Platform Offers
LODD’s Hili aircraft is designed for last- and middle-mile cargo transport, with specifications targeted at heavier loads than typical small-drone delivery trials. The company says the platform can carry up to 250 kilograms, accommodate two Euro pallets, and operate with vertical take-off and landing capability to reduce reliance on conventional runways. LODD also lists a range of 700 kilometers with a 30-minute reserve and a maximum cruise altitude of 14,000 feet, aiming to support operations across a mix of urban density and longer-distance connectivity.
Integration Questions DHL and LODD Will Need to Solve
The operational workshops are expected to focus on route definition, payload optimization, turnaround times, and system interoperability, which are central to making unmanned cargo viable at scale. For a global express operator, integration is not only a question of flight capability but also how the aircraft connects to sort, linehaul schedules, handover points, and last-mile dispatch planning. The companies have not disclosed timelines for pilot operations, indicating that the near-term emphasis is on feasibility and operating design rather than immediate deployment.
DHL Express’s UAE Footprint
DHL Express highlighted its long-standing presence in the UAE, where it has operated for 50 years and manages a network of roughly 40 locations including service points, gateways, and hubs. The company also reported more than 350 vehicles in-country, underscoring the scale of its existing last-mile and pickup operations that any new air component would need to complement. DHL added that it supports more than 150 daily flight connections from the UAE using its own aircraft fleet, positioning the market as a significant node within its broader international express network.
LODD’s Position in Advanced Air Mobility
Founded in 2023, LODD describes itself as a pioneer in advanced air mobility focused on autonomous systems for cargo logistics, with its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The company’s messaging around the partnership links the initiative to the UAE’s ambition to lead in smart logistics and next-generation mobility, emphasizing local development and regional operating needs. Al Manai said the collaboration is intended to help establish safe, reliable, and scalable autonomous cargo operations that align with the country’s future-ready infrastructure objectives.
While the MoU does not guarantee operational rollout, it formalizes a structured evaluation of how a heavy-lift unmanned aircraft could augment express delivery in a market where speed and reliability are critical differentiators. If the workshops produce workable routes, procedures, and integration plans, the initiative could become an early indicator of how autonomous cargo aircraft may move from demonstration projects to practical logistics applications. For DHL Express and LODD, the announcement signals a shared bet that unmanned aviation can play a meaningful role alongside trucks and conventional aircraft in the next phase of Gulf-region logistics.