Dubai, UAE, 14 November 2017:  Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to become the preferred logistics partner for the Dubai based space science and advanced technology research and development centre. 

The MoU was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo and by Salem Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre during the Dubai Airshow. Under the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo will be MBRSC’s preferred partner to provide air transport services for satellites and related equipment relating to the organisation’s space projects. 

“We are delighted to be working with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre as a preferred partner for logistics and honoured to play our part in UAE’s National Space Programme,” said Nabil Sultan. “Emirates SkyCargo has a long history of securely transporting sensitive equipment and technology on our aircraft. We have sophisticated infrastructure and well trained staff across our network to ensure that delicate cargo is well protected,” he added.

“We believe that Emirates SkyCargo can be a valuable partner for us in the transportation of our satellites and other scientific equipment for our National Space Programme. Given the carrier’s expertise and modern infrastructure including state of the art aircraft we have no doubt that our equipment will be in very safe hands,” said Salem Al Marri

Under the terms of the agreement, Emirates SkyCargo will work with MBRSC to develop bespoke and innovative air transport solutions that have wider applications in the space science and technology industry. 

MBRSC will be working with Emirates SkyCargo for the transportation of KhalifaSat, UAE’s most technologically advanced satellite built completely in the UAE by Emirati scientists and engineers. Emirates SkyCargo will help transport the satellite from Dubai to Incheon, South Korea from where it will be prepared for final launch in early 2018. 

About Emirates SkyCargo

Emirates SkyCargo is the freight division of Emirates and the world’s largest international cargo airline. The carrier connects cargo customers to over 155 cities across 84 countries in six continents. Emirates SkyCargo’s cargo hold capacity comprises Emirates’ all wide-body fleet of more than 260 aircraft, including 14 freighters – 13 Boeing 777-Fs and one B747-400ERF.

About Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technological advancement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). MBRSC works on missions, conducts researches and studies related to space science and technology, in line with the approach of the UAE, in its quest to develop the sector and build national skills through it. 

The Centre is developing and leading ambitious projects and programs under the umbrella of the UAE National Space Programme including the Emirates Mars Mission – Hope mission, the Mars 2117 program, the UAE Astronauts Program, and the Satellites Development Program. The Centre is also responsible for specialised and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Moreover, MBRSC provides space imaging and ground station services and support to other satellite services.

Since 2006, MBRSC has launched two Earth Observation Satellites, DubaiSat-1 in 2009 and DubaiSat-2 in 2013, a communication Nano-Satellite Nayif-1 in 2017 and currently developing KhalifaSat.