Arianespace successfully orbited Telesat's Anik F2 payload on an Ariane 5 on 18 July 2004, placing the 5,950 kg. (12,118-lb.) spacecraft into geostationary transfer orbit.

Anik F2 is the heaviest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched, and will provide high-speed Internet and digital communications from a final orbital position of 111.1 deg. West.
It uses the Boeing 702 satellite bus and carries a mixed payload of 32 Ku-band transponders, 38 Ka-band transponders and 24 C-band transponders.
Flight 163 marked the 15th successful mission of the Ariane 5 (Generic) launch vehicle.