Dr. Ramin Khadem, chairman of Odyssey Moon Limited, gave an account of his company's planned commercial moon missions and made a case for the region to look further for its space exploration.
Virgin Founder, Sir Richard Branson and SpaceshipOne (SS1) designer, Burt Rutan, have revealed SS2 to the public for the first time since construction of the world's first manned commercial spaceship began in 2007. SS2 has been designed to take many thousands of private astronauts into space after test programming and all required U.S. government licensing has been completed.
Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat is preparing for the launch of its next-genration Yahsat 1A platform in early 2011. If successful Yahsat 1B would follow it in late 2011.
The United Arab Emirates plans to launch DubaiSat-2 in 2012, just three years after the launch of the first Emirati satellite to be sent into orbit, according to Ahmed Al Mansoori, director general of the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).
There was no shortage of space companies looking for investors on day one of the Global Space Technology Forum, even if some were more subtle than others.
GE Aviation Czech is set to begin by year-end certification testing of its new H80 turboprop engine, which will produce up to 800 shaft horsepower (shp) to power utility, agriculture and business and general aviation aircraft.
Does the Middle East really want a regional space administration? And if it does what form should it take? That was the subject of a discussion forum held on the first day of the Global Space Technology Forum in Abu Dhabi, although the conclusion was far from positive.
The Middle Eastern nations have spent billions on building some the most modern and well-equipped airport terminals in the world. But the operators face some uniquely challenging conditions out on the airfield, writes BRENDAN GALLAGHER
Like it or not, emissions trading schemes will soon be a fact of air transport life. The Middle East's airlines are as well placed as any to take the pain out of compliance, writes BRENDAN GALLAGHER
The future of air navigation services in the Middle East will depend on organisations looking closely at efficiency and cost-effectiveness and taking a holistic approach to solving those challenges.
The UAE's premier space event, the Global Space Technology Forum, takes place in Abu Dhabi in early December. The two-day conference (7th and 8th) and three-day exhibition (7-9) is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and promises to be the region's only event dedicated to space research and commercial space applications.
The Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference (DIAC), held on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show, takes place on November 14. Organised by the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), the event brings together leaders of the air force and air defence from around the GCC and beyond. RIAD KAHWAJI, chief executive of INEGMA looks at one of the key talking points.
Sharjah based budget airline Air Arabia has posted figures showing its income fropped by almost a third year-on-year. Its profits however appear to be 10 percent down at the nine month period.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has selected Messier-Bugatti to supply wheels and carbon brakes for 70 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft to be delivered new from Boeing starting in 2010.
Etihad will be using sophisticated flight planning software from early next year to reduce fuel burn by some two percent and making other savings through improved routeing.
Dassault Systemes has appointed Abu Dhabi-based high tech firm Dasbat as a value added reseller to handle its world-leading 3D and Product Lifecycle Management products. They include CATIA, the design programme used in every major aircraft design project.
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered five GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2010. The engine order is valued at more than $350 million list price.
Dassault Systémes has signed a partnership agreement with the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) to develop cutting-edge education and research activities in the Emirates. KUSTAR will use Dassault Systémes' Product Lifecycle Management and 3D software solutions in support of its ongoing efforts to help the development of a local product innovation sector.
Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) has been selected by the Chilean Air Force for the complete cockpit avionics systems upgrade of its Lockheed Martin C-130 fleet.
Airbus has launched its new “Sharklet” large wingtip devices, specially designed to enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family.
