The Dubai-based logistics group is looking to reduce carbon emissions from its cargo delivery operations.
Logistics group Aramex Emirates is evaluating plans to deploy a pair of hybrid-electric aircraft being developed by Odys Aviation for cargo flights in the UAE and Oman. A letter of intent signed on January 9 could pave the way for possible sales of the U.S. company’s Laila uncrewed air vehicle and the larger VTOL aircraft that Odys is now calling the Alta.
Depending on progress made under the partnership, Dubai-based Aramex could start operations with the Laila UAV, which has a 130-pound payload and a projected range of 450 miles. Odys has already flown a full-scale prototype of this model and aims to start series production in 2026.
With a 22-foot wingspan, Laila features a scaled-down version of the hybrid-electric propulsion system Odys plans to use for Alta, which is primarily intended as a nine-passenger regional airliner. It also employs the company’s patented flap-based thrust vectoring system for lift and blown wing architecture.
Odys, which is preparing to launch a Series A funding round, now anticipates that it can complete type certification of Alta in 2028. The aircraft will have a range of 750 miles, or 200 miles if using only electric propulsion, and a cruise speed of 345 mph. The company expects to roll out a full-scale prototype in 2024 and anticipates a payload of around 2,200 pounds.
Logistics group Aramex Emirates is evaluating plans to deploy a pair of hybrid-electric aircraft being developed by Odys Aviation for cargo flights in the UAE and Oman. A letter of intent signed on January 9 could pave the way for possible sales of the U.S. company’s Laila uncrewed air vehicle and the larger VTOL aircraft that Odys is now calling the Alta.
Depending on progress made under the partnership, Dubai-based Aramex could start operations with the Laila UAV, which has a 130-pound payload and a projected range of 450 miles. Odys has already flown a full-scale prototype of this model and aims to start series production in 2026.
With a 22-foot wingspan, Laila features a scaled-down version of the hybrid-electric propulsion system Odys plans to use for Alta, which is primarily intended as a nine-passenger regional airliner. It also employs the company’s patented flap-based thrust vectoring system for lift and blown wing architecture.
Odys, which is preparing to launch a Series A funding round, now anticipates that it can complete type certification of Alta in 2028. The aircraft will have a range of 750 miles, or 200 miles if using only electric propulsion, and a cruise speed of 345 mph. The company expects to roll out a full-scale prototype in 2024 and anticipates a payload of around 2,200 pounds.
