November started better than October ended for satellite operator Eutelsat, as the company reported an increase in first-quarter revenues of 12.9% to ?285.6m.
In a statement, Eutelsat also confirmed the objectives for fullyear 2010-2011 and the period…
November started better than October ended for satellite operator Eutelsat, as the company reported an increase in first-quarter revenues of 12.9% to ?285.6m.
In a statement, Eutelsat also confirmed the objectives for fullyear 2010-2011 and the period 2010-2013.
“Eutelsat once again delivered double-digit revenue growth, reflecting the dynamism of all the group’s markets, each of which reported a significant rise in sales. These quarterly revenues are in line with our expectations, underpinned by the full effect of the W7 satellite,” said Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO, in the statement.
Launched at the end of 2009 at 36E, the bird covers Russia, the CIS, Central Asia and Africa.
Those improved results come just a few days after the company announced the loss of its W3B satellite because of an anomaly in the spacecraft’s propulsion subsystem after its launch by an Ariane 5 rocket on 28 October.
Eultesat, Arianespace and the satellite’s manufacturer, Thales Alenia Space, have been investigating the origin of the problem, but the satellite operator considers the mission to be a failure and will seek the full insurance settlement.
W3B was scheduled to be located at 16E to replace the Eurobird 16, W2M and Sesat 1 satellites. After the loss of W3B, the three satellites will remain in service until the arrival of W3C, whose launch is expected for mid-2011. Eutelsat also said it will start a new satellite programme, W3D, for a planned launch in the first quarter of 2013.
Early November also saw Eutelsat signing a 10-year contract with Egyptian satellite company Nilesat for five transponders at the 7W orbital position. The capacity will initially be placed on Eutelsat’s Atlantic Bird 4A satellite before being transferred to Atlantic Bird 7, to be launched in 2011. Eutelsat and Nilesat share an orbital spot and jointly market the neighbourhood’s services. This contract is part of a strategic agreement inked in March 2009 for the companies to collaborate on optimising the resources at 7W.
The position is used by both companies to broadcast television and radio channels for DTH users in North Africa and the Middle East.
