Emirates Commemorates UAE’s Space Milestones with Unique A380 Flight
Emirates, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), has orchestrated a remarkable one-off A380 flight to honor the UAE’s significant achievements in space exploration.
The event celebrated the nation’s visionary National Space Strategy and Vision, just ahead of the UAE’s 52nd National Day.
National heroes, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, recently returned from a six-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS), and Hazzaa AlMansoori, the first Emirati astronaut in space, were special guests onboard the Emirates A380.
The aircraft was adorned with a bespoke astronaut decal symbolizing the UAE’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration on the global stage.
Commanded by Captain Abdalla Abdelrahman Al Hammadi and First Officer Alex Van Der Veer, flight EK2641 took off from Dubai International Airport, traversing all seven Emirates.
Accompanying the astronauts were Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha, astronauts Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori, along with Expedition 69 crew members and nearly 200 MBRSC employees.
Prior to departure, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazza Al Mansouri visited Emirates Headquarters, receiving a warm welcome from Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark and COO Adel Al Redha. Emirates employees seized a unique opportunity for a Q&A session and a meet-and-greet with the esteemed astronauts.
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, expressed gratitude to Emirates for the exceptional gesture, emphasizing the shared vision and commitment to pioneering advancements in the aerospace sector.
AlMarri highlighted MBRSC’s dedication to propelling the UAE and the region towards new frontiers in space exploration and innovation.
Emirates COO Adel Al Redha lauded the success of Dr Sultan AlNeyadi’s mission and MBRSC’s groundbreaking work, emphasizing the shared passion for discovery and innovation between Emirates pilots and MBRSC astronauts.
He affirmed the joint commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for knowledge expansion and exploration.
Established in 2006, MBRSC has positioned the UAE as a world leader in space services and exploration. The Emirates Mars Mission, launched in 2021, has been collecting crucial data on Mars’ atmosphere, contributing to the nation’s global presence in space research.
Emirates, with its vast network of over 140 destinations across six continents, aligns with the UAE’s vision by enabling earth-bound travelers to explore nearly every corner of the world.
The airline, through the Emirates Flight Training Academy, is also actively contributing to the country’s aviation ecosystem, nurturing the next generation of aviators.
As the UAE continues to reach new heights in space exploration and aviation, the collaboration between Emirates and MBRSC stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation and progress on both Earth and beyond.
