TÜRKSAT Satellite Agreement Boosts Aviation Connectivity
**Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, the General Manager of TÜRKSAT A.Ş., has announced a significant strategic cooperation agreement with Eutelsat, a leading satellite operator in Europe.** This collaboration aims to enhance services in regions that currently fall outside the coverage of TÜRKSAT’s satellites. Atalay highlighted the importance of working with various satellite companies, stressing, “We are committed to ensuring seamless connectivity for users in areas not serviced by our existing satellites.” He also mentioned plans to launch a new satellite within the next four years, underscoring ongoing investments in artificial intelligence technologies.
TÜRKSAT recently showcased its innovative products and services at Satellite 2025, the largest satellite fair in the world, held in Washington, D.C. Atalay elaborated on the numerous cooperation meetings TÜRKSAT conducted during the fair, stating, “We have successfully struck a deal with Eutelsat, one of Europe’s most prominent satellite providers. Furthermore, we are in advanced discussions with other potential partners to expand our collaborative efforts.”
Atalay detailed the contents of the agreement with Eutelsat, specifically mentioning TÜRKSAT’s role in providing in-flight internet services for Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet. He stated, “This partnership is crucial for delivering reliable service to the global aviation sector, particularly in regions lacking coverage from our current satellites. The agreement marks a strategic step towards achieving this goal.”
He also provided an update on Turkey’s first domestic communications satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A, which is successfully conducting television broadcasting tests at the orbital position of 42 degrees east. Atalay informed, “We are in the process of transferring broadcasts from the aging TÜRKSAT 3A to the new TÜRKSAT 6A. The new satellite is expected to be fully operational shortly after the conclusion of its tests.”
Additionally, Atalay indicated that TÜRKSAT is focused on exporting the services of TÜRKSAT 6A. He expressed ambitions to broaden the scope of services, stating, “Our goal is not just to expand geographical coverage but also to enhance the offerings through value-added services, internet connectivity, and broadcasting capabilities. We have completed our internal arrangements and are actively seeking collaborations with local partners, as well as reaching out to potential clients across a diverse coverage area that includes Africa, the Turkic World, Europe, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.”
Discussing future plans, Atalay revealed the intention to launch another satellite within the next four years. He remarked, “The satellite industry demands continuous advancement. Keeping pace with technological developments is essential, and with the limited lifespan of high-orbit satellites—typically around 15 years—our oldest satellite, TÜRKSAT 3A, is nearing the end of its serviceable duration. As we transition its services, our immediate goal is to introduce a new satellite within 3-4 years.”
In related news, ULAK Communication and TÜRKSAT are embarking on initiatives aimed at ushering in a new era of smart transportation, indicating a broader strategy to leverage satellite technology for innovative solutions.
