Aramex and LODD Test Drones to Revolutionise Middle East Logistics

Aramex is edging closer to a future where some of its parcels might not touch a road at all, thanks to a new collaboration with Abu Dhabi–based LODD Autonomous. The two sides have agreed to test whether Hili, LODD’s hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft, could slot into Aramex’s Middle East operations and take on the tricky middle‑mile journeys that often slow things down. I’ve heard plenty of startups talk about “redefining logistics”, but this feels a bit more spot on than the usual buzzwords.

The plan kicks off with a pilot programme in Abu Dhabi, where both teams will work on test flights designed to link Aramex hubs directly with distribution points—no airports, no long detours, none of the usual faff. Hili can carry up to 250 kilos and fly as far as 700 kilometres, which, on paper at least, gives it enough muscle to make a real difference in time‑pressed delivery networks across the region. When you spend as much time around founders as many of us at Arageek do, you start to appreciate how rare it is to see hardware and logistics innovation moving at this pace.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, highlighted that Aramex has often been early to adopt new logistics tech, saying the partnership shows how Hili could be woven smoothly into existing operations while boosting speed, safety and predictability. Nicolas Sibuet, Aramex’s acting group CEO, framed the effort as part of the company’s push for smarter and greener delivery options across the Middle East. And believe it or not, logistics executives don’t usually hype things unless they see a clear path forward.

The pilot itself unfolds in two phases. First, drones will fly shipments from Aramex’s Musaffah facility to two temporary delivery points around Abu Dhabi, where couriers will pick up parcels for the final stretch. It’s a simple setup, but I reckon it’ll quickly show whether drones can actually save driving time rather than add complexity. If the results look promising, a second phase will extend operations to three farther locations using a longer‑range platform, really testing how the system holds up with more demanding routes.

Both sides are treating the whole thing as experimental rather than a done deal. Workshops will run throughout the pilot to iron out regulatory hurdles, safety procedures and technical requirements, and to figure out whether scaling unmanned aircraft across Aramex’s network is workable—or just a nice idea on paper. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office is backing the project too, and the emirate seems quite chuffed to bits to position itself as a living testbed for next‑generation mobility.

LODD, founded in 2023, has been pushing hard to build a sustainable air‑mobility ecosystem centred around Hili. Aramex, meanwhile, continues expanding its global footprint, with operations in more than 600 cities and its own commitment to hitting net‑zero emissions by 2050. It’s the kind of pairing that makes sense, even if the skies of the region get a bit busier (and… a bit noisier) in the process.

Whether these drones become a common sight or remain a clever experiment is still up in the air—definately—but as someone who’s watched countless MENA startups fight to modernise supply chains, I’d say this one is worth keeping an eye on.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!

✉️ Send Us Your Story 👇

https://en.arageek.com/send-us-your-story-or-a-news-tip