MUMBAI: APT Satellite Holdings Ltd, a leading satellite operator in the Asia Pacific region, announced the successful launch of the APSTAR VI satellite on 12 April from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China aboard a Long March 3B launch vehicle. The satellite is expected to be operational in June, this year.

APSTAR VI is the company's fifth satellite and a powerful addition to the APSTAR fleet. APSTAR VI is planned for operation from 134 degrees East longitude as a replacement satellite to APSTAR IA.

This satellite will provide high power Asia Pacific footprints with its C-band transponders covering China, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. In addition, it is the first commercial satellite in China equipped with an anti-jamming feature.

We are thrilled with today's spectacular launch and it also demonstrates our commitment to engineering excellence with a new generation APSTAR VI satellite. We applaud the efforts of our satellite manufacturer Alcatel Space and the launch service provider China Great Wall Industry Corporation, that ended today in a flawless liftoff.

"At the same time, we would like to express our gratitude towards our APSTAR IA customers, and those customers who will soon become our APSTAR VI customers, for their utmost support over the years," said Group president and executive director Chen Zhaobin.

The launch of APSTAR VI is a significant move for the Group The high power and coverage area of APSTAR VI is positioned as the next generation home of premier TV broadcasters, forming a strong neighbourhood effect. "We are sure that APSTAR VI will be as good as APSTAR IA in providing comprehensive communications services to our customers," Chen said.