Abu dhabi: Emirates SkyCargo has successfully completed the transport of Altair-1, the UAE's first commercial AI-enabled earth observation satellite, from Dubai to the United States. The satellite was flown on an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777 freighter aircraft from Dubai World Central (DWC) airport to Los Angeles (LAX) in preparation for its scheduled launch in October 2026.

According to Emirates News Agency, Altair-1 is part of Orbitworks' Altair constellation, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in space and advanced technologies. The Altair constellation is a multi-sensor satellite system developed and manufactured in the UAE by Orbitworks. It boasts a range of capabilities, including optical, infrared, thermal, and RF sensing, along with onboard AI processing.

The transportation of Altair-1 is notable as it is the first of ten satellites that will comprise the Altair constellation. This operation underscores Emirates SkyCargo's proficiency in handling highly sensitive and specialized cargo, particularly within its Aerospace and Engineering vertical.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, stated, "Transporting highly sensitive and technologically advanced cargo requires precision and expertise, and we are well positioned through decades of deep expertise to support this critical mission."

Emirates SkyCargo has a history of transporting significant aerospace cargo, including Arab Satellite 813 and Khalifasat. In 2026, the carrier moved over 6,000 tonnes of aerospace and advanced engineering cargo across the globe.