Yahsat, the U.A.E.-based satellite operator and a wholly owned company of Mubadala, has announced plans to launch its third satellite, Al Yah 3, in 2016, extending commercial Ka-band coverage to an additional 17 countries and 600 million users.
This third satellite places Yahsat as the world s eighth largest operator in terms of revenue and as a leader in innovative satellite solutions.
Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO of Aerospace and Engineering Services at Mubadala, speaking on the announcement, said, "Yahsat is one of the U.A.E. s great success stories. With the launch of Al Yah 3, we are well positioned to reach our goal of becoming a global leader in the provision of advanced satellite services. The launch of the company s third satellite within less than a decade of operation is a clear signal of the U.A.E. aerospace industry s intentions for the future." Jassem Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Yahsat s Board of Directors, commented, "The U.A.E. is rapidly developing as a key player in the global satellite industry, becoming the region s hub for satellite innovation. With the support of our leadership, customers, partners and suppliers, Yahsat is the leading regional operator for the deployment of government satellite communication programme, as well as pioneering innovative commercial platforms. The next goal is to make our value proposition a global one." Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, Yahsat Chief Executive Officer, said, "Al Yah 3 marks another milestone for Yahsat, expanding our footprint to new markets and reinforcing our vision to be the global partner of choice for reliable, innovative and affordable satellite solutions. The success of both Y1A and Y1B in providing government, NGO, consumer and corporate services, has given us the drive to explore new growth avenues." Al Yah 3 will utilise the most advanced technology available in the market, extending the company s commercial Ka-band coverage across the African continent and will for the first time cover South America. The service will provide wide reaching, reliable and cost effective satellite broadband and internet connectivity to un-served and underserved communities, consumers, enterprises and telecom operators.