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Langen, 2. February 2005 DFS and SITA INC agree major improvement in German air traffic control communications Improved air traffic control capability in European skies will result from an agreement announced today on the joint provision of aircraft communications services between the German Air Navigation Service Provider, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH and SITA INC (Information Networking Computing), provider of IT applications to the air transport industry. The agreement between DFS and SITA INC means that pilots and air traffic controllers will be able to use new air-to-ground data links in German airspace, enabling communications very similar to e-mail. This will relieve the pressure on traditional voice communications which have come under increasing strain with the doubling of air traffic movements over the last ten years. Studies have found that the availability of this second communications channel – Controller Pilot Data Link Communications – can help to reduce communication errors caused by factors such as very high traffic levels, fatigue or simultaneous transmissions. “Having spent several years working in air traffic management, I am well aware of the need to do all we can to reduce the voice-based communications workload and to enable more strategic Air Traffic Control in Western European airspace, one of the busiest in the world,” said David Russell, SITA INC’s Vice-President, Aircraft Operations and Communications Services. “Air to ground data link services are set to take on an increasingly critical role in enabling the delivery of safe and efficient air traffic control services. DFS is a key player in pioneering the delivery of these services and, through this agreement, will benefit from the 20 years of service that SITA has in the delivery of VHF data link services around the world,” said Russel. Under the deal, DFS will own and operate the VHF data link ground stations that SITA INC has installed at all major German airports, without needing to make a costly investment in designing and developing its own VHF data link ground station equipment. Peter Waldinger, DFS’ Managing Director Engineering, said: “We believe that this agreement will have major benefits for airlines and passengers. It is a very sensible move in light of the communications challenges posed by the continuing growth in air traffic movements.” The drive to implement Controller Pilot Data Link Communications via VHF radio networks is being led by the Eurocontrol Link2000+ Programme. The agreement announced today is a significant achievement in arriving at the goal of a cohesive, cost-efficient and safe pan-European system of air traffic management. It follows on a similar agreement SITA INC established in 2002 with AENA, the Spanish Air Navigation Service provider. Other European Air Navigation Service Providers can benefit from the SITA investment in VHF data links to create a pan-European partnership that provides modern air traffic control communications throughout the region at minimum cost to the airlines. For further information (not for publication) contact: SITA INC Denis McClean, Director, Public Relations Tel: +41-22-747-6824 Mobile: +41-79-2173357 Email: Denis.McClean@sita.aero SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) is the world's leading provider of air transport focused applications, communications and IT infrastructure, enabling its customers to realize greater operational efficiencies and enhanced profitability. Building on a heritage of innovation, the company provides services to air transport customers and to related industries, as well as government authorities, offering a unique portfolio of solutions. SITA INC is registered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and recorded revenues of US$694.5 million in 2003. Further information can be found at www.sita.aero DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH is a State-owned company under private law and has 5,200 employees. DFS ensures the safe and punctual handling of flights. Staff coordinate around 10,000 aircraft movements in German airspace every day, and more than three million movements every year. With this large number of flights, Germany has the highest traffic volume in Europe. DFS operates control centres in Langen, Bremen, Karlsruhe and Munich. In addition, DFS is represented in the Eurocontrol Centre in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and in the control towers of the 16 international German airports. DFS provides training and consultancy services around the world and develops and sells air traffic control, surveillance and navigation systems. The company's portfolio also comprises flight-relevant data, aeronautical publications and aeronautical information services. DFS has the following business units: Control Centre, Tower, Aeronautical Solutions and Aeronautical Information Management.
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