Eutelsat sees record backlog

Satellite operator Eutelsat said it had a record €5.4 billion backlog or orders at the end of its fiscal second quarter, with a fleet expansion programme on track following the successful launches of Eutelsat 21B, Eutelsat 70B and the integration into the fleet of Eutelsat 172A.

Eutelsat posted revenues of €633.6 million for its 2012-13 first half, up 5.2% year-on-year or 3.3% in comparable currency terms. EBITDA was 501.9 million, up 4.9%.

Eutelsat has separately signed a long-term multiple launch services deal with Arianespace for up to four launches in the 2016-17 timeframe. The new contract is in addition to the contract signed in July 2012 between Eutelsat and Arianespace for the 2014 and 2015 timeframe, covering one launch and an option for a further launch.

Eutelsat has also named ross McInnes to its board as an independent director, replacing Olivier Rozenfeld. McInnes, the deputy CEO of aerospace and defence company Safran, will also assume the chairmanship of the Audit Committee that was previously chaired by Olivier Rozenfeld.