en.Wedoany.com Reported - Emirates SkyCargo has completed the transport of the Altair-1 satellite, delivering it from Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in preparation for its launch scheduled for October 2026. Altair-1 is the UAE's first commercial AI-powered Earth observation satellite and is part of Orbitworks' Altair constellation program. This transport marks a significant step in the UAE's journey toward becoming a global leader in space and advanced technology.

Altair is a multi-sensor satellite constellation developed and manufactured by Orbitworks in the UAE, equipped with optical, infrared, thermal sensing, and radio frequency sensing capabilities, along with onboard artificial intelligence processing. With its advanced imaging payloads, optimized orbital design, frequent revisit cycles, and continuous data collection capabilities, the system delivers analysis-ready intelligence for applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, land and coastal use analysis, maritime situational awareness, and resource and infrastructure assessment. The Altair-1 transported in this mission is the first of ten satellites that will form the Altair constellation.

The transport of Altair-1 was managed by a dedicated Emirates SkyCargo team, executing end-to-end environmental and safety controls with on-time delivery, highlighting the airline's capability in handling highly sensitive and specialized cargo within the aerospace and engineering vertical. Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, stated that the company is proud to support Orbitworks at this important moment and to contribute to the UAE's growing reputation as a global hub for innovation, advanced technology, and specialized logistics. He noted that transporting highly sensitive and technologically advanced cargo requires precision and expertise, and that the company, with decades of industry experience, is fully equipped to support such critical missions. He also pointed out that the transport of Altair-1 from the UAE to the United States ahead of its launch reflects the role that specialized air cargo solutions play in supporting the global aerospace industry.

Schahan Sediqi, General Manager of Orbitworks, stated that Altair-1 is the result of the team's hard work and represents a historic moment for both Orbitworks and the UAE's space ambitions. He mentioned that without local partners like Emirates SkyCargo, the company would not have reached this stage, and praised the airline for delivering Altair safely from Dubai to Los Angeles with meticulous care and professionalism. The team is now looking forward to the launch of Altair-1 into orbit in October and the start of its mission.

Emirates SkyCargo has extensive experience in transporting satellites and other highly sensitive aerospace equipment. Previously, the airline transported Arab Satellite 813 from Dubai to its launch site near Shanghai, China; in 2018, it transported Khalifasat, the first satellite developed and built by UAE engineers, from Dubai to South Korea. Dedicated solutions for aerospace and engineering cargo represent one of the fastest-growing verticals in Emirates SkyCargo's specialized product portfolio. In 2026, the cargo carrier has transported over 6,000 tonnes of aerospace and advanced engineering cargo worldwide.

Emirates SkyCargo has launched a fleet and network expansion program. Since March 2026, the carrier has taken delivery of six Boeing 777-F production freighters and one Boeing 777-300ERSF freighter converted from an Emirates passenger aircraft, with four additional Boeing 777-F production freighters and one additional converted freighter expected later this year. The expanded freighter fleet has extended its global cargo network to more than 60 destinations, providing critical main-deck capacity and enhancing its flexibility and agility in responding to global supply chain demands.