Odys Aviation, Aramex Announce Collaboration to Develop Cargo Operations in UAE and Oman
Odys Aviation, a manufacturer of VTOL Aircraft, and Aramex, a provider of express delivery and logistics services to the Middle East as well as other emerging economies, announced this week a collaboration to develop cargo operations in the UAE, Oman and further parts of the Middle East, reports a press release.
Odys electric aircraft, designed in multiple configurations for cargo, is capable of delivering products to up to 320 kilometres and will offer a hybrid-electric range of more than 1,200 kilometres. As a result, flights have the potential to reduce carbon emissions on pan-GCC flights by up to 76 percent while offering a zero-carbon air cargo alternative for routes across the UAE, Oman and beyond.
The release explains, “Under the terms of the partnership, Odys Aviation and Aramex aim to collaborate on the development of autonomous logistics programs which will ultimately introduce cargo flights leveraging Odys Aviation’s cargo aircraft and Aramex’s fleet management capabilities.”
The first trials are to use Odys Laila aircraft (22 ft wingspan and 130 lbs payload) and then expand this to include the company’s Alta aircraft, a full-scale vehicle with payload capabilities of up to one ton. Aramex intends to support pilot training and a test flight program to demonstrate the movement of cargo between its regional locations.
The teams will further work jointly to tailor Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to develop Odys 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 programs to demonstrable routes and new markets within the GCC.
James Dorris, co-Founder and CEO at Odys Aviation, commented, “Our partnership signals a steadfast commitment to launching a new generation of VTOL aircraft. Building on our announcement earlier in 2023 that Odys has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI program, we are looking forward to leading the development of a sustainable, low-carbon aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and other Gulf Countries.”
Angad Singh, Global Director of Innovation at Aramex, added, “VTOL cargo aircrafts 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 program. 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.”
The release continues, “The collaboration aims to generate a new GCC network and operating model using VTOL aircraft for Aramex, while 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.”
The agreement also helps advance the UAE‑U.S. Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), which was launched in November 2022 and aims to help catalyse USD100 billion in clean energy and decarbonization projects by 2035.
Designed for short-haul routes, Odys’ aircraft could play a pivotal role in defining the future of electric flights in the region and is part “of an effort by companies in the GCC to create a framework for coordination, collaborative efforts and information sharing to contribute to the UAE’s long-term sustainability vision.”
Odys Aviation plans to launch a full-scale prototype in 2024, with a view to making the aircraft available to enter Aramex’s cargo fleet by early 2028.
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Top image: From L to R: Vincent Frascogna — Vice President, Business Development, Odys Aviation, James Dorris — Co-Founder and CEO, Odys Aviation, Alaa Saoudi — Chief Operating Officer (Express), Aramex and Angad Singh — Global Director of Innovation, Aramex (Photo: Business Wire)