Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has advised the Azerbaijan government on a deal to launch the country’s first ever communications satellite. The contract was awarded to Arianespace the world’s leading satellite launch service provider. Arianespace will supply the Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle for the satellite.

Production of the satellite by the USA’s Orbital Sciences Corporation has already begun, with the launch expected in late 2012 from the Arianespace space centre in French Guiana. The satellite will occupy Malaysia’s orbital position which has been leased by Azerbaijan as part of a joint venture with the Malaysian satellite operator MEASAT.

This deal was led by Field Fisher Waterhouse communications and technology partner John Worthy, who joined the firm in July 2010 from Denton Wilde Sapte. John has been working with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Communication and Information Technologies as external counsel to the project for the last 18 months and this is the latest contract in the project, following on from the joint venture with MEASAT and the satellite procurement agreement with Orbital Sciences.

Field Fisher Waterhouse has a market-leading telecommunications and satellite practice with clients that include Orange, Zone Media and Chellomedia. The deal also reflects the firm’s success in the CIS region and closely follows on from two major deals for Kazakh oil and gas producer KazMunaiGas.

John Worthy said: “I have been working on this unique and fascinating transaction for the last year and a half and I am delighted to have been able to continue the project here at Field Fisher Waterhouse. The whole project is a core part of the development of Azerbaijan’s communications infrastructure and builds on the strong economic progress in the country over recent years. Our involvement reflects the strength of the firm’s expertise in the satellite and communications sector.”

Arianespace was advised by in-house counsel.