Odys Aviation, a sustainable aviation company building hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and Aramex (DFM: ARMX), a market-leading provider of express delivery and logistics services to the Middle East and other emerging economies, today announced a partnership to develop cargo operations in the UAE, Oman and further afield in the region. Odys Aviation’s state-of-the-art aircraft, designed in multiple configurations for cargo, will deliver all-electric propulsion for distances up to 320 kilometres and offer a hybrid-electric range of more than 1,200 kilometres. As a result, 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, Oman and beyond.
Under the terms of the partnership, Odys Aviation and Aramex intend to collaborate on developing autonomous logistics programs, which will ultimately introduce cargo flights leveraging Odys Aviation’s cargo aircraft and Aramex’s fleet management capabilities. The first pilot programs will utilize Odys Aviation’s Laila aircraft (22 ft wingspan and 130 lbs payload) and expand to include the company’s Alta aircraft, a full-scale vehicle with payload capabilities of up to one tonne. Aramex intends to support pilot training and a test flight program to demonstrate cargo movement between its regional locations. The teams will work jointly to tailor the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to 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 programs 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 focused on advancing the agenda around the decarbonization of the aviation industry. The agreement also helps advance the UAE-U.S. Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), launched in November 2022 and aims to help catalyze $100 billion in clean energy and decarbonization projects by 2035. Designed for short-haul routes, Odys Aviation’s aircraft will 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.
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 program, we are excited to be able to continue our momentum in the region. We look forward to leading the development of a sustainable, low-carbon aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and other Gulf Countries.
Alaa Saoudi, Chief Operating Officer – Express at Aramex, said: “We are delighted to partner with Odys Aviation, enabling us to leverage our capabilities for cargo flights jointly, encompassing both short-haul and long-range regional routes. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Aramex’s commitment to delivering innovative and environmentally friendly logistics solutions and our net-zero commitments. 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 and supporting these countries’ efforts 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 significantly contribute to a cleaner and greener aviation industry while symbolizing a new era in logistics that prioritizes sustainability and innovation.”
Angad Singh, Global Director – 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 pioneered 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 to 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.