To celebrate the UAE’s visionary space ambitions, Emirates Airlines and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) organized a special flight with a custom-designed astronaut decal on an Emirates A380. Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi, 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 on board.

The exceptional flight, EK2641, took off from Dubai International Airport on November 27, traversing all seven Emirates with astronauts and crew members of Expedition 69, along with nearly 200 employees from MBRSC. The flight showcased the UAE’s dedication to advancing its space exploration and aerospace innovation on the global stage.

Before the flight, Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori visited Emirates Headquarters, where they were welcomed by Emirates’ President, Sir Tim Clark, and Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha. Emirates employees were then given a unique opportunity for a Q&A session and a meet-and-greet with the esteemed astronauts.

MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological center that was established in 2006. It plays a key role in positioning the UAE as a global leader in space services and exploration. MBRSC has led various exploration projects, including the successful Emirates Mars Mission in 2021, which has been collecting vital data on the Martian atmosphere for more than one Martian year, which is about two Earth years.