Aramex to bring Odys cargo VTOLs to UAE
Aramex to deploy Odys Aviation VTOLs for UAE cargo fleet by early 2028
#UAE #VTOLs - Hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft company Odys Aviation, and Dubai-based global logistics company Aramex have signed a partnership deal to develop cargo operations in the UAE, Oman and elsewhere in the region. Odys Aviation aims to make its aircraft available for Aramex’s cargo fleet by early 2028.
SO WHAT? - Although there are many agreements signed between different VTOL developers and logistics companies, this is one of several agreements that Aramex has with aviation and robotics companies. The Dubai-based company has been planning an electric and autonomous cargo aircraft fleet for sometime.
Aramex signed an MoU with UK-based 'cargo drone airline' Dronamics to work towards introducing drone cargo flights to the UAE. Meanwhile, over the past couple of years the logistics company has conducted delivery drone tests with UVL Robotics in Oman, and with BARQ EV and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the UAE.
Odys Aviation and Aramex will explore Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) cargo delivery and how to enhance Aramex’s operations in the UAE, Oman and further afield.
The two companies intend to develop autonomous logistics programmes, ultimately introduce cargo flights using Odys Aviation’s Laila aircraft (22 ft wingspan and 130 lbs payload) and will expand to include the company’s Alta aircraft, a full-scale vehicle with payload capabilities up to one tonne.
The agreement also includes the development of a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to ensure the aircraft serve specific local environments and a new GCC network and operating model using VTOL aircraft for Aramex.
Odys Aviation's aircraft can be designed in multiple configurations for cargo and will be capable of delivering all-electric propulsion for distances up to 320 kilometres, suitable for cargo delivery across the UAE. However, its hybrid-electric range of VTOLs can fly more than 1,200 kilometres, so allowing cargo flights between the UAE and Oman, or other GCC states.
According to Odys, the aircraft could reduce carbon emissions on pan-GCC flights by up to 76 per cent and provide a zero-carbon air cargo alternative for national routes.
Odys Aviation plans to test a full-scale prototype in 2024, with a view to making the aircraft available for Aramex’s cargo fleet by early 2028.
ZOOM OUT - UAE interest in cargo eVTOLs has been growing over the past few years, but activity has been limited to one-off test flights due to both availability of aircraft and lack of regulatory policy. In March 2023, the UAE government's Regulations Lab (RegLab) issued its first licence to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UAE to United Parcel Service (UPS).
However, momentum in the eVTOL space increased last year, with manufacturers Archer, EHang and Eve Air Mobility receiving provisional orders to deliver aircraft to UAE customers. Significantly, EHang received an order from Abu Dhabi-based Wings Logistics Hub for 100 of its EH216 autonomous eVTOL aircraft, which can be used both as an air taxi and for cargo delivery. Over the Dubai Airshow, Dronamics cargo drone service signed deals with both Aramex and Emirates Post. With UAE electric air taxi services expected to commence in 2026, the forthcoming changes to infrastructure, aviation services and regulation will pave the way for a parallel opportunity to introduce cargo services using eVTOLs.
IMO - The arrival of commercial cargo services using eVTOLs in the UAE could still be several years away, due to regulatory, safety, security and associated concerns. However, high profile planned air taxi services backed by Abu Dhabi and Dubai governments, could create more urgency to iron out regulatory issues and therefore encourage eVTOL tests and trials over the next couple of years.
Read more:
eVTOL firm Archer to manufacture in Abu Dhabi (Middle East AI News)
UAE urban air mobility set for takeoff? (Middle East AI News)
Aramex's drone debut (Middle East AI News)
Will the skies ever buzz with eVTOLs? (Middle East AI News)