Arianespace gets SKY Perfect JSAT multi-launch deal (corrected)

The Japanese satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation has formed a Multi-Launch Services Agreement (MLSA) with European launch operator Arianespace.  The deal signed in Paris on 11 September between Shinji Takada, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, is effectively a block booking of launch slots by SKY Perfect JSAT to ensure that it can get its satellites launched on time. According to Arianespace, since 1986 the launch operator has won 27 contracts in Japan out of the 36 open to competition, giving it a market share of 75%.