Arianespace will send Hylas 2 into orbit on an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in French Guiana.

   Hylas 2 will provide coverage to eastern and southern Africa, the Middle East and the Caucasus, adding to the company’s geographical reach following the launch of the Europe-centric Hylas 1 satellite in 2010. Avanti said the main focus areas of Hylas 2 will be Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe.