Eutelsat and Arianespace pursue their longstanding collaboration with the signature of a new launch contract

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PARIS, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidating a relationship now entering into its 30^th year, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Arianespace today announced the conclusion of a new launch services contract for a future Eutelsat satellite. The assignment of the launch to a satellite will be made at a later stage. The contract for an Ariane 5 launch from the Guiana Space Centre provides Eutelsat with launch flexibility and schedule assurance for its in-orbit expansion programme of six satellites to be launched by end-2014.

The contract for this 28^th launch was marked by a ceremony at Eutelsat's headquarters in the presence of Genevieve Fioraso, France's Minister for Research and Higher Education, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace and Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat.

The minister welcomed: "This new agreement between Eutelsat and Arianespace which benefits both France and Europe's space sector. Technology and innovation are pillars of our national policy of restoring production capacities. I am delighted to see these two leaders in their domains strengthen their cooperation, creating wealth and employment in France."

Eutelsat CEO, Michel de Rosen, added: "We are honoured to welcome Minister Fioraso to Eutelsat and are delighted to entrust a new mission to Arianespace, a reference in the global launch services market. Eutelsat has been able to count on the expertise and flexibility of Arianespace to deliver two thirds of its satellites into orbit. We look forward to pursuing this successful collaboration."

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: "It is a privilege to mark this new contract in the presence of Minister Fioraso. We thank Eutelsat for their renewed confidence in us and are delighted to continue our relationship with one of the world's leading operators and a hallmark of success in Europe's space sector. This latest contract is further evidence of the recognition of the quality of our launch services." 

Photos available on request

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world's leading satellites launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 06 July 2012, 207 Ariane launches (303 payloads), 26 Soyuz launches (2 at the Guiana Space Center and 24 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega had been performed. The company has a backlog of 22 Ariane 5, 15 Soyuz and 4 Vega launches, equal to more than three years of business. www.arianespace.com  

About Eutelsat

With capacity commercialised on 28 satellites that provide coverage across Europe, as well as the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's three leading satellite operators. As of 31 March 2012 Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting more than 4,250 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates high speed Internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve consumers, enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 750 commercial, technical and operational professionals. This culturally diverse staff comprises employees from 30 countries. www.eutelsat.com

SOURCE Eutelsat Communications