Hong Kong-based AsiaSat has reported its full-year results (to December 31st) showed revenues returned to an upward trend with an increase of 6 per cent to HK$1,354 million (€139.25m) from HK$1,272 million in 2016, supported by the lease of the full Ku-band payload of AsiaSat 8 (to Spacecom) during the year, ongoing migration from Standard Definition to HD broadcasting and increased demand for data services.

Profit attributable to owners was HK$397 million (2016: HK$430 million). On a like-for-like basis, after excluding a reversal of tax provision of HK$55 million in 2016, 2017 profit recorded an increase of 6 per cent, HK$22 million compared to 2016.

AsiaSat reported that it enters its 30th year in 2018 with an expanded and upgraded satellite fleet, including the new AsiaSat 9 which became fully operational in November 2017, bringing improved performance to customers and additional capacity to grow company business.

• A lease for the full payload of AsiaSat 4 was secured following successful migration of customers from AsiaSat 4 to AsiaSat 9, the full revenue impact of which will be seen in 2018.

• Overall payload utilisation of the AsiaSat fleet as of December 31st 2017 stood at 69 per cent (126 transponders utilised/leased), compared to 67 per cent as of December 31st 2016 (99 transponders utilised/leased)

• A ‘CDN in the Sky’ service developed for the fast-growing mobility markets in remote areas across AsiaSat’s extensive footprint, enabling the company to offer additional IP-based services

• Planning of the company’s first HTS craft is underway, to explore potential new mobility-led data opportunities

Categories: Articles, Business, DTH/Satellite, Results