Aramex, Odys Aviation to explore unmanned aerial vehicle cargo delivery in region

Odys Aviation, a sustainable aviation company building hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, and Aramex have partnered to advance cargo operations in the UAE, Oman and beyond.

Odys Aviation’s advanced aircraft, designed in multiple configurations for cargo, will be capable of delivering all-electric propulsion for distances up to 320 kilometres and will offer a hybrid-electric range of more than 1,200 kilometres.

Flights operated via these aircraft have the potential to reduce carbon emissions on pan-GCC flights by up to 76 per cent and provide a zero-carbon air cargo alternative for routes across the UAE and Oman.

Read: Aramex opens new advanced courier operation facility in Oman

Benefits of the partnership

Under the terms of the partnership, Odys Aviation and Aramex intend to collaborate on the development of autonomous logistics programmes, which will ultimately introduce cargo flights leveraging Odys Aviation’ cargo aircraft and Aramex’s fleet management capabilities.

The first pilot programmes will utilise Odys Aviation’s Laila aircraft (22-feet wingspan and 130 pounds payload) and will expand to include the company’s Alta aircraft, a full-scale vehicle with payload capabilities up to one tonne.

Aramex intends to support pilot training and a test flight programme, which will demonstrate the movement of cargo between its regional locations.

The teams will further work jointly to tailor the ‘Concept of Operations’ that will develop Odys Aviation’s aircraft to serve specific local environments.

Upon approval from regional regulatory bodies, the two companies intend to launch operations and commercial activities and expand beyond test programmes to demonstrable routes and new markets within the GCC

The collaboration aims to generate a new GCC network and operating model using VTOL aircraft for Aramex, enhancing the company’s regional presence and providing more sustainable options for customers and partners based in the GCC to ship cargo regionally or internationally via the UAE.

Odys Aviation has recently included a significant presence at COP28 where the company’s focus was firmly on advancing the agenda around the decarbonisation of the aviation industry.

The agreement also helps advance the UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE).

James Dorris, co-founder and CEO at Odys Aviation, commented, “Our partnership with Aramex signals a steadfast commitment to launching a new generation of VTOL aircraft and we are grateful to be working with the future-focused team at Aramex to bring our vision to reality.

“Building on our announcement earlier in 2023 that Odys has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI programme, we are excited to be able to continue our momentum in the region and are looking forward to leading the development of a sustainable, low-carbon aviation sector in the UAE, Oman, and other Gulf countries.”

Designed for short-haul routes, Odys Aviation’s aircraft will play a pivotal role in defining the future of electric flights in the region.

VTOL cargo aircraft to give Aramex an operational edge

Alaa Saoudi, COO – Express at Aramex, said: “By integrating Odys Aviation’s state-of-the-art aircraft into our operations, we aim to significantly enhance our cargo delivery capabilities across the UAE, Oman, and the wider region while substantially reducing our carbon footprint as well as supporting efforts of these countries in harnessing the potential of cleaner energy sources for aviation.

“This partnership will open new horizons for efficient and eco-friendly logistics, as it is expected to cut up to 76 per cent of carbon emissions on pan-GCC flights.

“Not only will this collaboration transform our cargo operations, but it will also make a significant contribution to a cleaner and greener aviation industry while symbolising a new era in logistics — one that prioritises sustainability and innovation.”

Angad Singh, global director of innovation at Aramex, said: “VTOL cargo aircraft will provide us with the operational edge for our B2B movements and B2C middle mile.

“The Aramex Innovation division has been a pioneer in deploying BOTs and drones as a part of our Future vehicle programme. We look forward to partnering with Odys Aviation and deploying long-range VTOL crafts, which shall drive us further towards our sustainability and Innovation targets.”

Odys Aviation plans to launch a full-scale prototype in 2024, to make the aircraft available to enter Aramex’s cargo fleet by early 2028.