LODD Autonomous has officially begun the certification process for its Hili hybrid cargo aircraft with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), bringing the aircraft a major step closer to commercial service.

The milestone moves Hili beyond development and flight testing into the country’s formal civil aviation certification programme. According to LODD, it is the first autonomous cargo aircraft designed and developed in the UAE to reach this stage.

Built in Abu Dhabi, Hili is a hybrid-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that can carry up to 250 kg of cargo over distances of up to 700 km. It is designed to transport freight without a pilot on board, making it suitable for industries that need fast and reliable cargo delivery.

The aircraft is expected to support healthcare, energy, humanitarian missions, industrial logistics and regional cargo transport, especially in areas where traditional transport can be slower or more difficult.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, described the certification programme as one of the biggest milestones in Hili’s journey. He said it reflects the progress the company has made in aircraft design, engineering and flight testing over the past few years.

The certification process will involve detailed reviews of the aircraft’s design, airworthiness, safety systems, ground testing, flight testing and operational performance before it can enter commercial service.

The programme is being carried out under the supervision of the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, while the GCAA is overseeing the certification process to ensure the aircraft meets all aviation safety requirements.

The project is also backed by Abu Dhabi’s growing aviation and innovation ecosystem. Support comes from the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) through its Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster.

Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said advanced autonomous aircraft like Hili will play an important role in building a smarter, safer and more efficient transport network across Abu Dhabi.

Ali AlHashmi, Head of ADIO’s SAVI Cluster, said Hili’s entry into formal certification highlights the strong collaboration between industry, regulators and government partners working to bring next-generation aviation technology into commercial use.

Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said the certification programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting aviation innovation while maintaining high safety standards for new aircraft technologies.

Once certified, Hili is expected to operate across middle-mile logistics, healthcare supply chains, offshore operations, humanitarian relief missions and regional cargo services, helping move goods faster and more efficiently across the region.