Emirates SkyCargo has signed a memorandum of understanding at the Dubai Airshow 2017 with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to become the preferred logistics partner for the Dubai-based space science and advanced technology research and development centre.

Under the agreement, SkyCargo will provide air transport services for satellites and other equipment related to the centre’s space projects. It will also work with MBRSC to develop bespoke air transport solutions that have wider applications in the space science and technology industry.

“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 [front right in photo], divisional senior vice president of cargo at Emirates. “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.”

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

“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,” said Salem Al Marri [front left in photo], assistant director general for scientific and technical affairs at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. “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.”

MBRSC has launched three satellites to date, the observation satellites DubaiSat-1 in 2009 and DubaiSat-2 in 2013, and the communication satellite Nayif-1 in 2017.