DFS welcomes capital privatisation (7 April 2006)


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Langen, 7 April 2006

DFS welcomes capital privatisation

Air Navigation Services Act sets the stage for the future
Dieter Kaden, Chairman and CEO of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, stated: "The Air Navigation Services Act is an important move towards securing the future of our company. It lays down the regulations for the capital privatisation of the air navigation services and consolidates our position on the European market." The law which was passed today in the Bundestag allows investors to buy 74.9 per cent of shares of the air navigation services, while the German government will retain a 25.1% share. Formerly a federal administration, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH was set up as a state-owned corporatised company in 1993. Since then DFS has gone from strength to strength and is among the most successful air navigation services organisations in Europe today. "We welcome the upcoming capital privatisation of our company as it is a logical development and will boost our competitiveness," according to Mr Kaden.

In keeping with the liberalisation trend on the air navigation services market as set in motion by the Single European Sky initiative of the European Commission, the new Air Navigation Services Act stipulates the establishment of a new national supervisory authority. In future, the new Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services will determine air traffic control charges and ensure that international safety standards are being observed. Thus, safety will remain priority number one at DFS, even with new shareholders.

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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