Emirates Airlines, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, celebrated the national space initiatives of the United Arab Emirates by operating a special one-time flight. National heroes Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, recently returned from a 6-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS), and Hazzaa AlMansoori, the first Emirati astronaut in space, were honored guests aboard the A380 flight.
The exterior of the Emirates A380 was adorned with a poster featuring an astronaut, specially designed to celebrate the UAE’s vision for building its capabilities in space exploration and innovation on the global stage. Flight EK2641, commanded by Captain Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Hammadi and First Officer Alex Van der Veer, took off from Dubai International Airport at 12 pm, soaring through the skies of the seven emirates.
Onboard were His Excellency Salem Humaid Almarri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Airlines, astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori, and the crew of Mission 69, along with around 200 employees from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
Before takeoff, astronauts Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori visited the Emirates Group headquarters, where they were welcomed by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, and Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer. Emirates employees had the opportunity to meet the astronauts, ask questions, and engage with them.
Salem Humaid Almarri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to Emirates Airlines for this wonderful gesture, honoring astronauts and the team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. Today’s event embodies our shared vision and commitment to leadership, appreciating the contributions of the aviation sector. As we look to the future, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre reaffirms its continuous commitment to advancing the UAE and the region towards new frontiers in space exploration and innovation.”
Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer at Emirates Airlines, said, “We are honored to celebrate the successful mission and return of Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, as well as the pioneering work of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in furthering the thriving space sector in the UAE. Whether Emiratis are soaring through the skies on an aircraft or breaking through the Earth’s atmosphere on a rocket, the passion for exploration unites Emirates’ pilots and the astronauts of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, serving as a source of innovation and inspiration for all. As the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre ventures into the cosmos, Emirates’ extensive network, covering over 140 destinations across six continents, enables travelers to explore almost every corner of the world. Together, we will continue to support the UAE’s vision of uncovering new knowledge and discovering new horizons, whether on our planet or beyond.”
Established in 2006, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is an advanced scientific and technological center, responsible for making the UAE a global leader in space services and exploration. In addition to the UAE Astronaut Program, the Centre is an incubator for innovation, developing high-resolution satellites and world-class imaging for data production and analysis for global scientific and research communities. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre has launched various exploration initiatives, including the UAE Mars Exploration Mission in 2021, collecting crucial data about the Martian atmosphere over a Martian year, roughly equivalent to two Earth years.
With a strong connection between the aviation and space sectors, Emirates Airlines contributes to elevating the UAE’s status. Emirates Flight Training Academy provides one of the newest and most comprehensive pilot training programs globally, preparing the next generation of pilots through advanced technologies. With 259 current students, including 206 Emiratis, and 120 graduates working with Emirates Airlines, the carrier is committed to supplying the nation with talented and experienced pilots.