Eutelsat Communications and Arianespace have announced the signature of a long-term multiple launch services agreement which guarantees launch capacity and flexibility to Eutelsat for its industry-leading expansion programme.

The agreement covers up to four launches in the 2016 and 2017 timeframe, with the assignment of each satellite to a launch vehicle to be made at a later stage.

The new contract is in addition to the contract signed in July 2012 between Eutelsat and Arianespace for the 2014 and 2015 timeframe, covering one launch and an option for a further launch.

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO, said: "This latest contract seals a 30-year relationship between Eutelsat and Arianespace during which over 60% of our satellites have been launched by an Ariane rocket.

"It paves the road for the future by giving us flexibility and schedule assurance tosecure our deployment plan for the five years to come. We are delighted to pursue our longstanding collaboration and are confident that we can count on Arianespace's total commitment to performance and precision."

Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace added: "We are proud to announce this new contract with Eutelsat which comes immediately after our 54th consecutive successful Ariane 5 launch and once again illustrates the confidence shown in our services by this major operator.

"We are all the more pleased with the long term scope of the agreement between our two companies that gives Eutelsat the guarantee of reliable access to space over the coming years. For Arianespace, this new contract is further endorsement of a strategy based on quality, reliability and total respect of our commitments."