CORRECTION: A previous SatNews report incorrectly identified Eva Berneke as the current CEO of Eutelsat Group. Jean-François Fallacher officially succeeded Berneke as Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2025. Berneke departed the role following the successful integration of OneWeb and the establishment of the company’s multi-orbit foundation.
We regret the error.
On February 12, 2026, CEO Jean-François Fallacher delivered the Group’s H1 2025-26 results, confirming that the company has successfully transitioned into a connectivity-first operator, with non-video revenues now accounting for 54% of total turnover.
Fallacher’s Leadership and the Telecom Pivot
The appointment of Fallacher, a veteran of the telecommunications industry and former CEO of Orange France, was a deliberate move by the Eutelsat Board to align the satellite operator with the broader telco ecosystem. Under his leadership, the company has focused on “Connectivity-as-a-Service,” leveraging the combined GEO/LEO fleet to serve enterprise and government clients who require seamless orbital integration.
The strategic shift has yielded tangible results in the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, with LEO-specific revenues surging 59.7% to €110.5 million. This growth has helped offset the continued 12.3% decline in the legacy video business, which remains impacted by regional sanctions and the broader industry move away from linear broadcasting.
Financial Stability and Refinancing
A primary objective of Fallacher’s first year was the stabilization of the Group’s balance sheet. In February 2026, Eutelsat confirmed the successful execution of a major refinancing plan. This move has secured the capital necessary for the development of OneWeb Gen 2, while maintaining the company’s investment in the European Union’s IRIS² sovereign constellation project.
“The first half of FY 2025-26 marked a decisive step forward for Eutelsat,” stated Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat Group. “With financing secured and our growth strategy clearly on track, we are entering the next phase with confidence, focused on unlocking the full potential of our LEO business.”
Timeline to OneWeb Gen 2
The company remains on schedule for the technological evolution of its LEO constellation. Key milestones for the remainder of 2026 include:
- H2 2026: Finalization of satellite manufacturing contracts for the initial Gen 2 batch.
- Late 2026: Expansion of GEO/LEO hybrid service availability for the maritime and aviation sectors.
- 2028: Target for initial operational capability of the Gen 2 fleet, featuring enhanced capacity and inter-satellite laser links.
