German air traffic services provider DFS has taken the unprecedented step of reimbursing its airline customers with DM110 million ($53.4 million) after posting a revenue surplus for 1999. In previous years such "over-recoveries" have been offset against subsequent cuts in user charges.
The move left state-owned DFS with an overall profit for the year of DM19 million from revenues of DM1.49 billion. Capital expenditure for 1999 amounted to DM286 million, the bulk of which was spent on a new air traffic control centre at Langen near Frankfurt and a radar replacement and modernisation programme.
DFS expects an "equally positive" result for 2000 and is to cut landing fees. En route fees will rise slightly to "achieve a fairer distribution of charges among users".
Source: Flight International
