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Arianespace and EADS Space Transportation announce an order for 30
Ariane 5 launchers

Arianespace and EADS Space Transportation today signed a letter
concerning an order for the "PA batch" of 30 Ariane 5 launch
vehicles.

Le Bourget, June 20, 2003 - At the 45th Paris Air Show, Arianespace
CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall and Josef Kind and Hervé Guillou, respectively
President and CEO of EADS Space Transportation, signed an "order
letter" to initiate production of the "PA batch" of 30 Ariane 5
launchers. This new commitment will allow Arianespace to ensure its
launch service continuity. 

EADS Space Transportation's efforts to enhance productivity, which
are reflected in this order and are backed by its European industry
partners and ARIANESPACE, will improve the competitiveness of the
Ariane launcher for the benefit of its clients.

This agreement officializes the new industrial tasking between the
two companies, which was approved at the ESA ministerial-level
meeting on May 27.

EADS Space Transportation is now the sole prime contractor for the
Ariane 5 launcher. As a result, the company will manage the totality
of contracts covering launch vehicle production, and is to deliver a
standardized launcher to Arianespace in French Guiana.

Arianespace is in charge of the commercial launch service operation,
and manages the production. The company will source the launcher from
the prime contractor, adapt it to customer mission requirements, and
carry out launch operations at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French
Guiana.

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