International Launch Services (ILS) and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) announced a contract for an ILS Proton launch service as early as 2014 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The launch service is contracted for launching one of AsiaSat's future satellites, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 8 or AsiaSat 9, a replacement satellite to be procured for AsiaSat 4.

The launch contract includes an option for AsiaSat to order one additional launch service from ILS for any of its upcoming three satellites.

Frank McKenna, President of ILS said, "The successful launches of AsiaSat 5 in 2009 and AsiaSat 7 in 2011 enabled the timely expansion of AsiaSat's service offerings across the Asia-Pacific region. We are honored to play a key role in AsiaSat's growth over the years and fully support AsiaSat's fleet expansion program."

"We have relied on the professionalism and precision of the ILS and Khrunichev teams to launch our satellites over the past 13 years.

"This launch service contract with ILS Proton will allow the timely provision of additional high quality and comprehensive satellite services to our customers.

"We anticipate that ILS and Khrunichev will again provide us outstanding quality and value to support our business plan," said William Wade, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat.