Fujairah International Airport has become the first civilian airport in the UAE to carry out a trial drone cargo flight. An unmanned aircraft successfully took off under air traffic control supervision to deliver cargo to an offshore platform in Fujairah.
Collaboration and innovation
The operation was conducted in partnership with Lodd Autonomous, a company specialising in autonomous aerial logistics, and coordinated closely with the Fujairah Civil Aviation Authority and Fujairah Air Navigation Services (FANS). The collaboration highlights the role of Fujairah’s aviation authorities in advancing innovative solutions.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Salami, Chairman of the Fujairah Civil Aviation Authority, said, “This achievement marks a significant milestone for Fujairah International Airport within the aviation industry.”
He added, “Our department’s commitment to enabling innovative solutions, in partnership with Fujairah Air Navigation Services and industry leaders like Lodd Autonomous, positions Fujairah International Airport as a strategic hub for advanced logistics and sustainable air freight solutions in the region.”
Safety and efficiency focus
Karam Jallal Al Baloushi, CEO of Fujairah Air Navigation Services, noted, “The success of this mission demonstrates not only technological innovation but also the seamless coordination required to execute a commercial drone cargo flight in an active civilian airport environment.”
He added, “Our focus on safety and efficiency, combined with our strong partnership with Fujairah Civil Aviation Authority and Lodd Autonomous, was fundamental to achieving this breakthrough.”
Future plans
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of Lodd Autonomous, said, “For the first time, we’ve proven that unmanned cargo flights from civilian airports to offshore platforms are not only possible—but safe, efficient, and scalable.”
The trial complied fully with International Civil Aviation Organisation safety standards and UAE General Civil Aviation Authority guidelines. The initiative points to the potential of drone technology to support commercial air cargo while reducing emissions.
Fujairah Civil Aviation Authority and FANS plan to expand drone delivery services and develop further cargo operations to meet increasing regional demand. These efforts support the UAE’s goal to lead in advanced aviation and smart logistics.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
