Successful transfer of the European AIS Database (EAD) operations to EUROCONTROL

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 contacts:

Nanda Geelvink, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, enanda.geelvink@dfs.de phone: +49 6103 707 4164

Alejandro Muñiz, ENAIRE, e-mail: amudelgado@enaire.es

Barbara Fürchtegott, Frequentis, e-mail: barbara.fuerchtegott@frequentis.com, phone: +43 1 81150-4631

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. 

About ENAIRE 

ENAIRE is the air navigation service provider in Spain.

As a company of the Ministry of Sustainable Transport and Mobility, it provides air traffic control services during the en route and approach phases of all flights to and from Spain and overflights. In addition, it manages communications, navigation and surveillance services from ENAIRE in the airspace and the entire AENA airport network in Spain and provides aerodrome air traffic control services in 21 airports, including the busiest.

ENAIRE is the fourth largest European air navigation service provider, and it is a member of international partnerships A6 Alliance, SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and collaborates closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

ENAIRE has obtained the highest rating in the key performance indicator for air safety at European scale for six consecutive years, the last five with the maximum possible score of 100%. It has also been awarded the EFQM 600 Seal for its safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable management of air navigation services.

About FREQUENTIS 

Frequentis stands for a safer world. Our solutions are used in our customers’ command and control centres to help them make the world safer. 

Frequentis is a world leader in high-tech solutions for Air Traffic Management, supporting both civil and military air traffic control organisations, as well as Public Safety and Transport, where police, emergency rescue services, fire brigades, railways, coastguards, and port authorities rely on our extensive portfolio. 

The listed family business based in Vienna, Austria, drives innovative and sustainable solutions for safety and security in everyday life and in the safety-critical sector. Its air traffic optimisation solutions for air traffic control centres are contributing to reducing emissions. 

As a global player with more than 2,500 employees (full-time equivalents/FTE), Frequentis has a worldwide network of companies in over 50 countries. Its products, services, and solutions are used in around 150 countries. Shares in Frequentis are traded on the Vienna and Frankfurt stock exchanges; ISIN: ATFREQUENT09, WKN: A2PHG5. In 2024, revenues were EUR 480.3 million and EBIT was EUR 32.1 million.