Together they bring an unmatched array of experience and competencies to the Galileo Programme. By joining forces in the consortium they are expressing their combined desire to push forward and develop the opportunity represented by Galileo.

Galileo is a European Union project to develop a new advanced satellite navigation system, superior to existing satellite navigation systems. The bid has been submitted to the Galileo Joint Undertaking, who is managing the development phase of Galileo on behalf of the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The bid responds to the first Call for pre-selection for the Galileo Concession. The Concessionaire is expected to take the lead in arranging for private financing of the deployment and operational phases of Galileo, and ultimately would become the Galileo Operating Company.

The Galileo programme is a major step forward for Europe. It is the first major European-level infrastructure procurement programme with a global dimension. It is also the first major Public Private Partnership (PPP) at a multinational level. It will bring numerous benefits to Europe, notably the opportunity to demonstrate how government and industry can cooperate to achieve both market and policy success.

Inmarsat is a world-leading provider of global mobile communications via satellite. "Along with our highly experienced partners in this project, I believe Inmarsat's previous experience makes us uniquely able to contribute to the Galileo Project," said Michael Storey President and CEO of Inmarsat Ventures plc.

"Inmarsat is one of the most successful mobile satellite communications companies in the world and also one of the prime European satellite operators. Inmarsat has in place a global distribution network and unparalleled experience in all prime vertical markets that will be addressed by future Galileo services."

EADS SPACE Services' CEO Eric Beranger adds: "We believe our consortium can fulfil the vision of Galileo. Our expertise in large, complex Public Private Partnership schemes for Space programmes and in the development of associated applications and services on a global scale are second to none.

EADS Space has recently demonstrated within the framework of its Paradigm subsidiary, its ability to secure debt financing to the value of 1.4 euro billions for the UK military telecommunications satellite service programme Skynet 5.

"Thales is a global electronics company serving Aerospace, Defence, and Information Technology markets worldwide," said John Hughes Executive Vice President of Thales. "We have an unparalleled expertise in satellite navigation applications for all those markets, which will be essential for the success of this project."

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