Emirati satellite telecom provider Yahsat has made a significant stride in the industry, announcing a monumental step forward. It has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to construct two new geostationary satellites. These satellites, named AY4 and AY5, are not just technological advancements but also crucial tools that will enable secure government communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of these vital operations.
Airbus will design and build the AY4 and AY5 satellites using its Eurostar Neo platform and supply ground segment elements. The two satellites, each with a 15-year lifespan, are scheduled for launch in 2027 and 2028. They will replace Yahsat’s AY1 and AY2 satellites, launched in 2011 and 2012.
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat, stated that these orders are not just a one-time investment but part of the company’s strategic and ongoing efforts to enhance its satellite communication capabilities with next-generation satellites. In May, Yahsat announced a partnership with Eutelsat to expand its reach in Africa using the “Konnect” satellite. Additionally, Yahsat has commissioned another satellite from Airbus, which is scheduled for launch by the end of 2024 and is set to enter service in 2025.
Yahsat’s investments are due to the increasing competition in the satellite communications market, particularly in Africa. Formidable competitors, including Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile, Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Omnispace, populate the landscape. This competitive environment, driven by the high demand from telecom companies, governments, and individuals in Africa for high-speed connectivity, especially in remote areas that are hard to reach with traditional terrestrial networks, presents challenges and opportunities for industry players.
