Avanti Communications
Group plc.has completed contracts to purchase
and launch the HYLAS 4 satellite. The satellite
will be built by Orbital Science Corporation,
who built the HYLAS 2 spacecraft, which is
currently outperforming its technical
specification. The satellite will deliver up to
28GHz of capacity in 66 fixed beams positioned
over Africa and Europe. Some capacity provides
growth for existing markets, some provides brand
new coverage and we retain the flexibility to
move capacity between different markets.
The satellite will also have four steerable
beams which could serve markets in Latin America
or Africa. The system represents a continuation
of Avanti’s strategy to prioritise Quality and
Flexibility, and to ensure that customers
receive World beating services at low prices.
The satellite is scheduled for Launch
in the three month period ending April 2017. It
will be launched by Arianespace, the World’s
most reliable launch agency, with whom Avanti
has enjoyed a very strong relationship through
the launch of its first two satellites.
The total cost to
build, launch and insure the satellite is
expected to be 15-20% below market expectations.
Avanti conservatively estimated a budget of $350m
when it issued the first of two tranches of a
bond earlier in the year to commence the project
and now that all costs except for insurance are
contracted with firm fixed prices we are able to
announce this saving. We have also
managed to secure a more favourable and flexible
payment profile.
David Williams,
Chief Executive of Avanti said:
“I am pleased to announce a continuation of a
trusted and successful partnership with Orbital
and Arianespace. The project is well financed
and low risk. With commercial services expected
to launch in 2017, Avanti has overwhelmingly the
most powerful, broad and resilient Ka band
coverage of Europe Middle East and Africa.
Now that we are successfully selling services to
the biggest telecommunications and media
companies in our region, we have improving
visibility over how we will continue to activate
the underlying market demand on a large scale.
This satellite is designed based on the
requirements those customers have given us. The
investment sends a powerful signal to our
customers about our commitment to serve them
throughout the entire continent of Africa.”
David Thomson
Chief Executive of Orbital Science Corporation
said: “Orbital is honored and
thrilled to be selected by David Williams and
his team at Avanti to build their new HYLAS 4
satellite. This high-throughput/light-weight
satellite will set a new standard for
affordability and flexibility in its class,
while also providing the high quality and
dependability of Orbital's reliable GEOStar
product line of over 45 geosynchronous
spacecraft built or in production for many of
the world's leading operators. We look
forward to contributing to Avanti's future
growth with the HYLAS 4 project."
Stephane Israël,
Chief Executive of Arianespace said
: "Arianespace
is very proud to make a new step in its
long-term partnership with Avanti
Communications. After HYLAS 1 and HYLAS 2
launched by Ariane 5 in November 2010 and August
2012, we are now ready to launch HYLAS 4 early
in 2017. I want to thank personally David
Williams for Avanti's trust in Arianespace; this
is a true recognition of the quality and
competitiveness of our launch solutions, which
we continuously improve to boost our leadership
position on the market. We are also pleased to
work with Orbital again; HYLAS 4 will indeed be
the 27th satellite manufactured by Orbital and
launched by Arianespace."
