Emirates SkyCargo flies UAE-made AI satellite to US

Emirates SkyCargo has transported Orbitworks’ Altair-1 satellite from Dubai to Los Angeles ahead of its planned launch in October 2026. The satellite, flown on a Boeing 777 freighter from Dubai World Central, is the UAE’s first commercial AI-enabled Earth observation satellite and the first of 10 planned for the Altair constellation.

The shipment highlights the growing role of specialised air cargo in supporting the UAE’s space industry. Satellites require controlled handling and transport because of their sensitive equipment, creating demand for dedicated aerospace logistics services.

Altair-1 was developed and manufactured in the UAE by Orbitworks and carries optical, infrared, thermal and radio-frequency sensors, along with onboard AI processing. The constellation is designed to support applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, maritime monitoring and infrastructure assessment.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said: “Emirates SkyCargo is proud to support Orbitworks at this significant moment and contribute to the UAE’s growing reputation as a global hub for innovation, advanced technologies and specialised logistics. 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. The movement of Altair-1 from the UAE to the United States ahead of its launch also underlines the role of specialised air cargo solutions in supporting the global aerospace sector.”

The carrier said it has moved more than 6,000 tonnes of aerospace and advanced engineering cargo in 2026. Its dedicated aerospace cargo operations form part of its wider specialised freight network, supporting the movement of sensitive equipment for the growing space and technology sectors.