[Satellite Today 03-23-09] AsiaSat has seen an increase in revenues but a fall in profits in 2008, according to the company’s full-year financial results released March 19.
    AsiaSat reported revenues for the year at HK $1 billion ($133.1 million), an increase of nearly 10 percent compared to 2007. In 2007, it had full year revenues of HK $939 million ($121.1 million). However, company profits slipped to HK $485 million ($62.6 million), compared to HK $503 million ($64.9 million) in 2007.
    The number of transponders the company leased was up 25 percent compared to 2007, as the overall transponder utilization rate increased to 60 percent.
    “Our 20th anniversary year saw the Group’s performance strengthen in line with a more dynamic Asian satellite market, as reflected in our increased transponder utilization rates and a steady flow of new contracts. This took place in the context of a global economic slowdown that has created a great deal of uncertainty for 2009. Looking forward, however, we believe that the fundamental growth drivers of the Asian satellite industry remain solid,” AsiaSat Chairman Mi Zeng Xin said in a statement.