Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Gulf Carrier Etihad Set to Trial Autonomous Cargo Aircraft
Testing and evaluation of Lodd’s freight-carrying drone will start in the UAE
signing ceremony between Etihad Cargo and LODD Autonomous
Etihad Cargo and LODD are both based in the UAE

Etihad Cargo is to trial fellow Abu Dhabi-based Lodd Autonomous’ uncrewed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) craft in an attempt to augment its short-range air freight capacity. Under a collaboration signed on November 4, the UAE-based airline's cargo division will explore the integration of Lodd’s “Hili” drone, which made its first test flight on November 13.

In addition to playing an integral role in “experimental operations to test the efficiency, safety, and ground logistics compatibility” of the aircraft, Etihad said it will “explore the operational and commercial potential” of integrating the platform into its future fleet.