Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today unveiled its plans at the CommunicAsia exhibition in Singapore for significantly scaling up its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The company is embarking on a new triple mission satellite programme that will support sustained demand for capacity for data, fixed and mobile broadband services as well as video. The satellite will also host the Pacific Ocean Region’s first High Throughput payload which Panasonic Avionics Corporation has already selected as its key growth platform for trans-Pacific and Asian in-flight broadband and live TV services provided to commercial airlines.
Eutelsat’s new high-capacity satellite, EUTELSAT 172B, will be launched in 2017 to 172° East as an early follow-on programme to EUTELSAT 172A. It will provide continuity and expansion capacity at a position that is already a prime gateway for services in the Asia Pacific region. EUTELSAT 172B will host three distinct payloads:
– A C-band payload delivering increased power and broader coverage that will enhance service provided today to existing customers via EUTELSAT 172A and tap into new growth markets in South East Asia.
– A regular Ku-band payload doubling capacity at 172° East and connected to five improved service areas: North Pacific, North East Asia, South East Pacific, South West Pacific and South Pacific.
– An innovative High Throughput Ku-band payload specifically designed for in-flight broadband, featuring multiple user spots optimised to serve densely-used Asian and trans-Pacific flight paths and interconnected to gateways operating in the Ka band. This new payload will be the first customised for in-flight connectivity over the Pacific Ocean Region, delivering an overall throughput of 1.8 Gbps to an underserved market forecast to enjoy sustained growth over the coming years.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation, one of the fastest growing providers of in-flight entertainment and communications, has signed a long-term agreement with Eutelsat America Corp. (EAC), Eutelsat’s US subsidiary, that will make it the anchor client for the satellite’s High Throughput payload for broadband services and a user of its regular Ku-band capacity for live TV. The capacity booked will transform the range of services Panasonic Avionics Corporation already delivers to commercial airlines through EUTELSAT 172A, positioning it as a key provider of passenger connectivity and entertainment as well as fast and concise collection and communication of aircraft and crew data.
Commenting on the new programme, Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat Chairman and CEO, said: “In addition to delivering significant scope for growth for existing clients, this highly efficient asset in the sky places our 172° East position front and centre of the rapidly expanding market for mobile services in the Pacific Ocean region. We welcome Panasonic Avionics Corporation as an anchor tenant on EUTELSAT 172B. Their long-term commitment to this location underscores its unmatched vantage point over a wide and underserved area spanning from the West coast of North America, to Asia and down to Australia and Pacific islands.”
Paul Margis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics, said: “Demand for inflight connectivity is increasing exponentially, especially in Asia. This agreement with a capable technology partner such as Eutelsat represents a continuation of our commitment to serve the aviation industry with the most capable and comprehensive connectivity solution available today and in the future.”
About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 37 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 32 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S. corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero
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