DFS looking at a stake in NATS

Privatisation in the air traffic management sphere in Europe has been gathering momentum for some time, notably in Germany and the UK but is now spreading to other nations such as Spain and Sweden. Reports emerged over the weekend that Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS), the German state-owned air navigation service provider (ANSP) may be interested in acquiring a stake in UK ANSP, National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

It is no secret the UK Government has been looking to divest some or all of its stake in UK air navigation service provider NATS for some time, but a sell off to interests outside the UK would have important national and strategic implications that would have to be considered. The move would also be a first for cross-ownership in air traffic management. [951 words]

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This report contains the following subheadings:

• Looking to divest?
• A reversal in roles

This report contains the following charts and tables:

• NATS net profit (GBP millions): 2004 to 2011