The operation of the European AIS Database (EAD), the central European database for aeronautical information, was transferred to EUROCONTROL from GroupEAD Europe S.L. on 16 January. This marks the end of more than two decades of successful operations ensured by GroupEAD. The responsibility for providing EAD operational services now lies entirely with EUROCONTROL.
The EAD is the world's largest centralised platform for verified and up-to-date aeronautical data. It provides essential information such as NOTAMs, pre-flight information and AIP data for authorities, air navigation service providers, airlines, pilots and the public, and is an indispensable component for the safety and efficiency of European air traffic. Over 55 states and numerous air navigation service providers use the EAD for the standardised, fast and reliable exchange of data. It is estimated that the set-up and operation of the EAD have saved the European air transport system more than €60 million in recent years.
Following a call for tenders by EUROCONTROL, GroupEAD, based in Madrid with a branch in Frankfurt, was founded in 2001 by the German air navigation service provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS) and the Spanish air navigation service provider ENAIRE, together with their system partner Frequentis, for the operation and development of the central database.
The decision to take over the EAD operations by EUROCONTROL is part of the Network Manager's integrated network management strategy. It is the Network Manager’s aim to operate and bundle critical systems in-house in future, thereby further advancing integration into the digital infrastructure of European air traffic.
The transfer of the EAD operations services was prepared in close coordination with EUROCONTROL and in accordance with the requirements laid down. GroupEAD thus ensured an orderly, safe and successful transfer on 16 January 2026 at 15:00 (CET), laying the foundation for the seamless continuation of EAD operations services by EUROCONTROL.
Forty-four GroupEAD employees received job offers to work for EUROCONTROL as of 16 January and started working in Brussels at this date. This will ensure that expertise is retained in the new structure. GroupEAD will now enter into an orderly dissolution.
DFS, ENAIRE and Frequentis would like to thank EUROCONTROL and all EAD users for their many years of close cooperation.
Press contact:
Nanda Geelvink
E-mail: nanda.geelvink@dfs.de
Phone: +49 6103 707 4164
DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS), the German air navigation service provider, is a State-owned company under private law with around 5,800 employees as at 31 December 2025. DFS ensures the safe and punctual flow of air traffic over Germany. Around 2,200 air traffic controllers guide more than three million flights through German airspace every year, up to 10,000 flights every day. The company operates control centres in Bremen, Karlsruhe, Langen and Munich as well as control towers at the 15 designated international airports in Germany. The subsidiary, DFS Aviation Services GmbH, markets and sells products and services related to air navigation services, and provides air traffic control at nine regional airports in Germany and at Edinburgh Airport in the United Kingdom. DFS is working on the integration of drones into air traffic and has set up a joint venture, Droniq GmbH, with Deutsche Telekom. Other subsidiaries include R. Eisenschmidt GmbH, which markets publications and products for general aviation, and Kaufbeuren ATM Training GmbH (KAT), which provides training for military air traffic services personnel. The joint venture FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH offers flight inspection services.