RACA participated in the 5th edition of the “Smart Airport Cities” conference, held in Ghimbav, Brașov County. As part of the event, the Romanian Airline Companies Association collaborated with the organizers to design and moderate the only panel dedicated to commercial aviation: “Smart Airport & Flights Development – Economic, Tourism, Freight.”
The event brought together top-level professionals from the aviation industry, both from Romania and abroad. The special guest, Dr. Michael Kerkloh, former CEO of Munich International Airport and currently a board member of the airports in Tallinn and Hanover, shared his strategic and well-documented perspective on how airports can become real drivers of economic and regional development, aligned with emerging European trends.
Alongside Dr. Kerkloh, the panel featured Monica Dobrutchi – General Manager of Lufthansa Group in Romania, Daniel Micu – Chairman of the Board of Brașov-Ghimbav Airport, Sorin Manda – CEO of Craiova International Airport, and Călin Gologan, founder of Elektra Solar. Each of them brought valuable insights, collectively shaping a comprehensive picture of the current challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector. Additionally, at the end of the discussions, there was an intervention from a media representative, journalist Ștefan Etveș – host of the show “Drumurile noastre” on B1 TV.
Key topics discussed included the recovery of airline operators and the implementation of optimization measures, the development of regional infrastructure, partnerships, the attraction of new carriers, and the transition toward more sustainable aviation, including the integration of electric flights.
Once again, it was clearly demonstrated how important it is for the aviation sector to be part of a constant, professional, and constructive dialogue—one that involves operators, airports, investors, suppliers, and thought leaders. We will continue to support a coherent vision for the development of Romanian commercial aviation, based on clear regulations, investment in local infrastructure, and the promotion of Romanian companies’ interests at both national and international levels.
We thank the organizer, Christian Macedonschi, as well as all those who contributed to a meaningful event with outcomes that will have a lasting impact.
Photo credit: David Mihăilescu (https://www.facebook.com/david.mih14)