Gatwick today confirmed that air traffic control services at the airport will be run by German government-run company DFS (Deutsche Flugsicherung) in place of the UK’s National Air Traffic Services (Nats).
Services to be covered by the 10-year contract cover air traffic and approach services below 4,000 feet around the airport.
DFS will start providing the new services from October 2015 following a transition period.
Nats will retain operations for all air navigation services above 4,000 feet, from its base in Swanwick.
The award is subject to contract which is expected to be signed at the end of the month.
The decision follows what Gatwick described as “an extensive tender process” in which a number of companies were invited to submit proposals.
The proposal from DFS was considered “superior” to submissions from all other contenders.
The range of criteria included safety, innovation, airport management, technical capability, cost, resilience and the ability to accommodate the requirements of a growing airport.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “DFS is a company of great standing, operating an extensive network of air traffic control services in Germany.
“We are very impressed with the company’s technical capabilities, track record and safety standards within its existing operations along with the experience, efficiency and innovation it will bring to Gatwick.”
He added: “Gatwick operates the busiest and most efficient single runway airport in the world. Naturally, safety comes first in everything that we do. DFS is a well-known and well-respected provider in this industry and across Europe and has demonstrated a forward looking approach to its business which matches our own ambitious plans to grow.
“We appreciate the contribution to our business made by Nats over many years and look forward to continuing to work with them in the transition period and across more general air traffic control services.”