Eutelsat has announced the opening up of a new orbital position at 3 degrees East and the commissioning of Astrium to build a tri-band satellite for launch in early 2014.
Known as Eutelsat 3B, the satellite will increase its reach in markets across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South America.
In advance of 3B, resources on a satellite now called 3A were deployed this month at the 3 degrees East slot.
The news has come alongside the release of Eutelsat’s latest set of results, which show the company had revenues of €1,168.1 million in the year ended June 30, an 11.5% increase on the previous year, while its EBITDA rose by 11.9% to €926.4 million over the same period.
Group share of net income meanwhile rose by 25.6% to €338.5 million.
Video applications accounted for 68.6% of Eutelsat’s revenues in the year ended June 30, rising by 6% to €786.5 million.
According to the company, strong commercial activity was generated at the Hot Bird position at 13 degrees East, along with the 36 degrees East and 7 degrees West slots.
Its satellites broadcast a total of 3,880 channels, or 218 more than a year earlier, with the number in HD rising by 42% to 220.
In its outlook, Eutelsat said that its revenues for the full year 2011-12 are expected to be above €1,235 million, with growth accelerating in the subsequent two years, and EBITDA to exceed €955 million in the full year 2011-12.
Eutelsat has also appointed Michel Azibert as deputy CEO and corporate officer on the recommendation of Michel de Rosen, the group’s CEO.
