Eutelsat Communications is revising upwards its revenue objective for 2008-09 after a first half increase of 7.9%. The Paris-based satellite operator has successfully renewed contracts to its key Hot Bird position at increased rates, while the number of HD channels across the fleet now stands at 70.
“The growth recorded by our Group in this first half year is strong new evidence of the quality of our business model and the validity of our strategic choices,” said Giuliano Berretta, chairman and CEO, Eutelsat Communications. “Our entire set of activities shows year-on-year improvement”.
Total revenues for the six months ending December 31 stand at €429.40 million with value added services providing the greatest increase in contribution.
The Eurobird 9 satellite (9 degrees East) serving Europe and the Mediterranean basin has almost doubled its channel count to 149 services. There has also been growth at 36 degrees East, where satellites serving Russia, Ukraine and Africa have experienced year on year growth of 31%, delivering 440 channels.