UAE Thuraya launches 3rd satellite to add coverage

ABU DHABI, Jan 15 (Reuters) - UAE-based Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co's delayed third satellite was launched on Tuesday, paving the way for the company to boost service to the Asia-Pacific region.

The satellite was put into orbit by Sea Launch Co, a service led by Boeing Co (BA.N), Thuraya said in a statement.

The new satellite is part of the company's plans to expand coverage to countries including China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Australia, doubling the market size under its footprint.

Based in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi, Thuraya provides mobile satellite services in more than 110 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Emirates Telecommunications Corp ETEL.AD is its largest shareholder.

The third satellite, which replaces an ageing satellite, was originally due for launch in May but was delayed after Sea Launch suffered an explosion during an attempted launch in January. A planned launch in November was delayed partly due to rough weather. (Writing by Firouz Sedarat; Editing by Braden Reddall)