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US$200m JV to build autonomous cargo aircraft in Abu Dhabi

US$200 Million Joint Venture to Manufacture Autonomous Cargo Aircraft in Abu Dhabi
Barq Group and US-based Elroy Air have announced a US$200 million joint venture to establish a manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi dedicated to producing the Chaparral autonomous cargo aircraft. Pending regulatory approvals, the partnership aims to position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for advanced air mobility, targeting commercial and humanitarian logistics markets across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Strategic Partnership and Technological Innovation
The collaboration leverages Barq Group’s expertise in smart mobility and logistics solutions throughout the MENA region alongside Elroy Air’s pioneering work in autonomous aerial systems for middle-mile logistics. The new facility will manufacture the Chaparral, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system designed specifically for cargo operations. The Chaparral can carry a 300-pound payload over distances exceeding 300 miles, utilizing a hybrid-electric powertrain that enables extended range missions without dependence on charging infrastructure. This capability is particularly advantageous for remote and infrastructure-light environments prevalent in the region.
Beyond manufacturing, the joint venture will offer comprehensive aftermarket support, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, thereby creating an integrated regional capability. Local production is expected to enhance scalability, reduce lead times, and strengthen supply chain reliability. These improvements address the region’s increasing demand for resilient and efficient logistics solutions amid rapid economic growth and complex geographic challenges.
Economic and Regulatory Context
Ahmed AlMazrui, CEO of Barq Group, described the initiative as a strategic commitment to Abu Dhabi’s role in shaping the future of mobility. He highlighted that the investment supports the development of a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem within the UAE and aligns with the national “Make it in the Emirates” initiative. The project also complements the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, aiming to generate high-value aerospace jobs, stimulate regional supply chain development, and deliver long-term economic benefits.
Nevertheless, the venture faces several challenges. Regulatory hurdles remain significant, as the autonomous cargo aircraft sector is still evolving and subject to stringent aviation standards. Technological uncertainties, particularly regarding the reliability and safety of autonomous flight systems, could affect project timelines and market readiness. Market acceptance is another critical factor, with investor sentiment divided between optimism for advanced air mobility and caution due to the industry’s nascent stage.
Competition within the autonomous cargo segment is expected to intensify, with established players such as Textron eAviation and Pipistrel likely to increase their efforts to secure market share. The success of the Barq-Elroy Air joint venture could catalyse further investments and partnerships in the sector, reflecting recent developments such as Archer Aviation’s new UK aerospace engineering hub and the US Federal Aviation Administration’s ongoing overhaul of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) regulations.
The Chaparral marked a significant milestone in November 2023 by completing the world’s first flight of a turbo generator hybrid-electric aircraft. As the joint venture progresses, its developments will be closely monitored as an indicator of the future trajectory of autonomous cargo aviation in the region and beyond.

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