News

Latest Feature stories

• January 5, 2012
  "The Power of Three" era continues in 2012 with Arianespace's complete launcher family
  
• December 7, 2011
  On the record with Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall
  
• December 7, 2011
  Holiday gathering in Washington, D.C. highlights Arianespace's 2011 successes
  


• Archive

Feature story

CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall: Japan is one of Arianespace's key markets

April 20, 2004

Arianespace will maintain its high-profile presence in the Japanese commercial launch market, and will continue to work closely with its customers and partners in the region.

These were among the main messages of Arianespace Chief Executive Office Jean-Yves Le Gall, who was in Japan this week for meetings and briefings.

In a press conference this morning attended by more than 60 journalists from the local and international press, Le Gall outlined Arianespace's world leadership position thanks to its extensive commercial experience and confidence from an international customer base.

Arianespace has actively worked in Japan for 18 years, and Le Gall underscored the company's commitment to continue its support of Japanese telecommunications operators with Ariane launches.

Earlier this year, Arianespace announced two new launch contracts from JSAT - the Asia-Pacific region's leading operator, which marked the 20th and 21st launch contracts signed by Arianespace for Japanese commercial satellites. Le Gall also said he is looking forward to a back-up launch services agreement between Europe and Japan for governmental payloads

Le Gall also explained the strategic importance of the launch services alliance agreed to last year by Arianespace, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Boeing Launch Services of the U.S. This powerful new commercial service offering combines the strengths of three leading launch service providers to ensure on-time launches for customers around the world.

In reviewing the overall market situation, Le Gall said a slow, but steady, recovery of the market is underway after a true crisis - and the outlook is for a smaller, but more robust, market based on solid business plans.

A dynamic direct-to-home video market continues to drive demand for more capacity, and new applications such as high definition and interactive television are starting to be deployed.

"Globally, there is a more optimistic mood among the main players," Le Gall concluded. "Arianespace is fully responsive to the intrinsic toughness of space business: we are reactive, committed and accountable. Our teams are tuned to the customers' needs with Ariane 5, Soyuz, Vega - as well as the backing of the Launch Services Alliance, bringing the resources of Ariane 5, H-IIA and Sea Launch."