Media Release

APT Satellite today announced the signing of agreements with one US based company and an Asian based company to lease seven transponders on the company’s third satellite APSTAR-IIR in attempts to successfully serve 75% of the population worldwide.

Once launched, the APSTAR-IIR will join two other in-orbit satellites, APSTAR-I and APSTAR-IA, in APT Satellite’s continuing commitment to providing quality and reliable satellite transponder services to more than 100 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia.

APSTAR-IIR, an FS-1300 model with high output power, is built by Space Systems/Loral Inc., and is equipped with 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders. APSTAR-IIR’s encouraging pre-launch lease-out rate of 50%, coupled with the existing over 90% lease-out rate of the two in-orbit satellites, further strengthens the Company’s revenue.

The APSTAR-IIR satellite and its launch vehicle Long March-3B are at their final stage for the preparation of the launch. The launch service provider, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, has already successfully launched five satellites consecutively to their designated orbits, using the Long March launch vehicles. The Company has also signed the APSTAR-IIR launch insurance agreement with the insurance companies.

With the consecutive launch successes of the Long March series, and the promising transponder lease-out rate, APT Satellite Holdings Limited (Stock code:1045 or NYSE: ATS) is optimistic about its satellite transponder business. APT Satellite, with its superior and advanced APSTAR System, will provide on-going satisfaction to customers, while exploring all business opportunities, and paving the way for the future growth and development of the Company.

APT Satellite Holdings Ltd.
Marketing Dir., Mr. Yang Xue Ming
IR/Company Secretary, Mr. Brian Lo