Aviation News – Satellite operator Eutelsat has signed an Authorization to Proceed with Airbus Defence and Space for 229 additional satellites during the International Space Summit in Paris, securing long-term service continuity for its OneWeb constellation.
This latest deal adds to 440 satellites already ordered from Airbus, bringing the total number of new OneWeb spacecraft manufactured by the European aerospace company to 669. Announced in the presence of French Space Minister Philippe Baptiste, the agreement enables initial industrial activities to begin immediately. Airbus will manufacture the entire batch at its specialized facility in Toulouse, leveraging active assembly lines to guarantee rapid, high-volume production schedules.
By producing the new units on established assembly lines, Airbus ensures seamless industrial continuity alongside a homogeneous delivery rate. These new additions will progressively replace early-generation units reaching the end of their operational lifespan, protecting multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments and ensuring uninterrupted global services.
Operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 1,200 kilometers across 12 synchronized orbital planes, the OneWeb network delivers high-speed, low-latency broadband to remote and underserved areas worldwide. The continuous addition of modern hardware reinforces network resilience and supports growing global demand for satellite connectivity.
“This order underscores our ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust, world-class constellation that delivers reliable connectivity across the globe,” stated a representative regarding the milestone agreement.
Looking ahead, this expansion positions Eutelsat to meet rising connectivity demands across maritime, aviation, and enterprise sectors. Continuous fleet replenishment safeguards operational readiness while setting the benchmark for commercial LEO network sustainability.
The agreement guarantees long-term operational stability for the OneWeb satellite fleet. By combining Airbus‘s proven manufacturing capabilities with Eutelsat‘s orbital strategy, the partnership secures high-speed global internet coverage for years to come. As satellite technology evolves, sustained fleet investment ensures seamless performance across all commercial markets.
