Consolidating a relationship now entering into its 30th year, Eutelsat Communications and Arianespace have 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 28th 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.