LODD has launched Abu Dhabi’s first autonomous drone parcel delivery test in Khalifa City. The drone used a winch to lower a test package to a designated drop point. (Image: Abu Dhabi Investment Office)
Aviation technology firm LODD has launched Abu Dhabi鈥檚 first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries. The test took place in Khalifa City, and a drone used a winch system to lower a test package from the air to a designated drop point. The drone took off from a nearby post office, delivering the parcel safely and precisely to its target location.This drone trial is part of a broader strategy to integrate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into the city’s transportation network. Also Read: Singapore tightens rules on crypto startups, Dubai rolls out the red carpet; what investors must know before they jump in The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is leading the pilot project as part of its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster. Aviation technology firm LODD and logistics service provider 7X are supporting it. Live EventsThe goal is to build a robust, secure, and innovative framework for aerial delivery services in the emirate.The test delivery was strictly supervised, with regulatory oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Authorities ensured that all safety, airspace, and operational guidelines were followed. Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the ITC鈥檚 Commercial Affairs Department, said the importance of safety and regulatory coordination. He noted that this trial represents a strong example of how public and private sector collaboration can drive progress in advanced mobility technologies.According to ADIO鈥檚 Omran Malek, the successful drone delivery highlights the long-term potential of autonomous delivery systems and reinforces Abu Dhabi鈥檚 vision of becoming a hub for innovation and advanced technology. He added that such efforts are not just pilot projects, but foundational steps towards building an integrated transport system of the future.The drone delivery system demonstrated in this trial is designed to be scalable. LODD鈥檚 CEO, Rashid Al Manai, explained that a single operator can monitor and control multiple drones simultaneously, making the system highly efficient for logistics providers. He said the company will continue working with regulators to further develop and expand the service.Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, said the project aligns with the UAE鈥檚 national focus on smart mobility and emerging technology. He also noted that the drone system would enhance the speed and reach of the company鈥檚 logistics arm, EMX, especially in areas that are difficult to access using traditional delivery methods.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onAbu Dhabi drone deliveryautonomous drone technologyparcel delivery trialunmanned aerial systems7X AviationLOGD technology firmAbu Dhabi Investment Officeuasabu dhabilogistics services
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onAbu Dhabi drone deliveryautonomous drone technologyparcel delivery trialunmanned aerial systems7X AviationLOGD technology firmAbu Dhabi Investment Officeuasabu dhabilogistics services(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
Explore More Stories123