Former Spaceport America chief appointed to lead vision and planning for Virgin Galactic space flights from Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI – (April 17, 2012) Virgin Galactic LLC (“Virgin Galactic”), part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, and Aabar Investments PJS (“Aabar”) today announced that they had appointed Steve Landeene to the role of Chief Advisor, Spaceport Abu Dhabi. Between 2007 and 2010, Landeene was Executive Director of Spaceport America in New Mexico and oversaw the development of Virgin Galactic’s operational hub and the world’s first purpose built commercial spaceport.
Under a deal announced in 2009 between Virgin Galactic and Aabar, the two companies agreed that Abu Dhabi would gain exclusive regional rights, subject to the receipt of regulatory clearances, to host Virgin Galactic tourism and scientific research space flights. Landeene’s appointment is an important step in bringing those plans to fruition, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s commitment to being an international destination of choice and a regional leader in tourism, advanced science, technology and higher education.
Landeene will be responsible for developing a roadmap for the proposed construction of a spaceport in Abu Dhabi. Starting from strategic and organizational business planning, and then, if the requisite regulatory approvals are obtained, moving through to spaceport construction management and finally to spaceport operations, Landeene will ensure that Spaceport Abu Dhabi meets the objectives of its investors and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
Commenting on the appointment, Mohamed Badawy Al-Husseiny, CEO of Aabar said: “We are pleased that someone with Steve’s exceptional experience in aerospace and spaceport development has agreed to spearhead this exciting and important vision for the project. We are at the dawn of a new era in commercial space and are perfectly positioned with the world’s first spaceline, Virgin Galactic, to ensure that we are a prime beneficiary of the opportunities that will follow. This will become a regional hub for space tourism, as well as space-based science research and education. We look forward to working closely with Steve as he helps us to realize that dream.”
George Whitesides, CEO and President of Virgin Galactic added: “Steve’s appointment comes at a particularly exciting time for Virgin Galactic as we move into the final stages of test flights prior to commercial operations at Spaceport America. It also reinforces the strategic partnership we enjoy with Aabar. From the start, both companies have shared a common vision for the future of commercial space and for the opportunity it presents to Abu Dhabi. Virgin Galactic has a beautiful home at Spaceport America in New Mexico, due in no small part to Steve’s leadership during a crucial phase in its development. We are delighted that Steve is now bringing that learning and experience to bear on Spaceport Abu Dhabi and look forward to the day when Virgin Galactic spaceships are a regular sight in the skies above this vibrant and forward-looking city.” One of the first tasks for this initiative will be to engage on regulatory requirements and then consider suitable potential spaceport sites in Abu Dhabi.
Underscoring the visionary nature of this appointment and reinforcing its commitment to Abu Dhabi, Virgin Galactic also announced a partnership with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, to establish an intern program encouraging the next generation of leaders. Commenting on the partnership, Whitesides said: “We share a commitment to higher education with the city of Abu Dhabi. As Virgin Galactic extends its global footprint, we intend to support the communities in which we are involved, and are eager for this intern program to become fully established. We are working with the university on an application process for this unique opportunity.” This summer, the program’s first student will work in London at Virgin Galactic’s headquarters with its global brand team.
About Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic, owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and Aabar Investments PJS, is on track to be the world’s first commercial spaceline. The new spaceship (SpaceShipTwo, VSS Enterprise) and carrier craft (WhiteKnightTwo, VMS Eve) have both been developed for Virgin Galactic by Mojave-based Scaled Composites. Founded by Burt Rutan, Scaled developed SpaceShipOne, which in 2004 claimed the $10m Ansari X Prize as the world’s first privately developed manned spacecraft. Virgin Galactic’s new vehicles share much of the same basic design, but are being built to carry six customers, or the equivalent scientific research payload, on sub-orbital space flights, allowing an out-of-the-seat, zero-gravity experience and offering astounding views of the planet from the black sky of space for tourist astronauts and a unique microgravity platform for researchers. The VSS Enterprise and VMS Eve test flight program is well under way, leading to Virgin Galactic commercial operations, which will be based at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
About Aabar Investments PJS
Aabar Investments PJS is an investment company headquartered in Abu Dhabi with investments around the world. It invests in various sectors including automotive, financial services, aviation, energy, manufacturing & technology and real estate, with many of its investments being made by way of international partnerships and alliances. Its largest stakeholder is the International Petroleum Investment Company, which is wholly owned by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jeff Carr
Griffin Communications Group
(832) 864-7224
(281) 381-5427 cell
virgingalactic@griffincg.com
Deanna Wilke
Griffin Communications Group
(832) 864-7227
(281) 881-2981 cell
virgingalactic@griffincg.com
For more information:
Mohamed Badawy Al-Husseiny
Aabar Investments PJS
+971 2 626 4466
info@aabar.com
www.aabar.com
