Italian launch provider Avio is experiencing a surge in demand from clients who failed to secure launch slots with SpaceX. CEO Giulio Ranzo stated that the company is actively engaging with these prospective customers during the firm's recent earnings call held on 10 September.
Reports from June and July indicated that SpaceX began limiting future Falcon 9 rideshare reservations and declining requests for dedicated launches beyond 2028. SpaceX previously noted in a June securities filing that it might prioritize internal payloads over third-party or government contracts.
Ranzo noted that customers previously accustomed to low-cost SpaceX Transporter missions are now seeking alternatives. Some of these clients are currently lobbying European institutions for financial aid to help cover the price difference when switching to European launch providers.
Avio currently supports up to four Vega C flights annually. The company is considering increasing this rate to six missions per year, though Ranzo emphasized that this expansion requires additional investment from the European Space Agency and potential changes to internal production processes.
