LODD, 7X Successfully Complete Abu Dhabi’s First Pilot Flight for Autonomous Drone Deliveries
UAE-based aviation technology firm LODD and investment group 7X have successfully completed the first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step forward in the emirate’s logistics and smart mobility landscape.
The test flight was carried out in Khalifa City under the supervision of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre, as part of a broader strategy led by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC).
Backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the initiative is aligned with efforts to accelerate the adoption of smart and integrated mobility solutions across the emirate.
The pilot trial demonstrated the safe and efficient delivery of a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a secure winch-based delivery system.
It represents a major step in enabling drone-based logistics as part of Abu Dhabi’s future-ready infrastructure.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Vision
This is a key milestone under ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, which supports the emirate’s ambitions to localise production, build future-focused transport infrastructure, and strengthen its role as a global innovation hub.
“ADIO is proud to champion the development and roll-out of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global innovation hub,” said Omran Malek, head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO.
“This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term economic and infrastructure value for the Emirate.”
The Integrated Transport Centre continues to work closely with partners to ensure the secure integration of unmanned aerial systems into the wider transport ecosystem.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority for the Integrated Transport Centre,” said Humaid Saber Al Hameli, director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre.
“This pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate.”
Al Hameli emphasized the importance of maintaining an adaptive and secure regulatory environment to support technological advancement.
“We are committed to providing a secure and adaptive regulatory environment that keeps pace with innovation and empowers the adoption of emerging technologies. This enhances Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness and reinforces its position as a leading hub for sustainable mobility and future-focused technologies,” he added.
Lodd and 7X, which oversees logistics and delivery provider EMX, will continue working with regulators and industry partners to refine operational procedures, ensure compliance, and gather insights for future rollout. The pilot marks the initial phase of a wider strategy to expand drone-based delivery services throughout Abu Dhabi.