Projects

The ACAR „Carpathia” Scholarship Programme for Training Young Pilots Not yet operational

The programme is not yet operational and is still being structured and funded. Its launch will be announced officially following internal approval and the securing of the necessary funding. The information below describes the proposed initiative; the final selection criteria and application timetable will be communicated officially.

Context and rationale

The aviation industry in Romania has a growing need for qualified pilots to contribute to the sustainable development and competitiveness of the sector. Unfortunately, the high costs of aviation education, especially for obtaining pilot licences, make access difficult for many talented young people with above-average academic results, particularly those from families with limited financial resources.

To remedy this problem and support the growth of Romania's aviation industry, the Association of Romanian Airline Companies „Carpathia” (ACAR) proposes the Scholarship Programme for Training Young Romanian Pilots, intended exclusively for young Romanians from single-parent families or without resources, who wish to pursue a career in aviation but do not have the necessary financial means.

Programme objectives

• Supporting aviation education: funding the training of young pilots through scholarships that cover the costs required to obtain PPL, CPL, MEP, MET and ATPL pilot licences.
• Strengthening the national aviation industry: ensuring that young pilots will work for the airline companies that are members of ACAR „Carpathia” after completing their studies, thus contributing to their development and increased competitiveness.
• Developing Romania's human capital: creating a mechanism through which young Romanians with above-average results and from disadvantaged backgrounds can have access to education and career opportunities in aviation.

Programme description

ACAR aims to award three annual scholarships, intended exclusively for talented young Romanians from single-parent families or in precarious financial situations. The programme will cover the education costs for obtaining the licences required to become a commercial pilot. In addition, scholarship beneficiaries will have the opportunity to work at one of the ACAR member airlines after completing their studies.

Proposed eligibility criteria

• Disadvantaged background: coming from single-parent families or families with limited financial resources.
• Motivation and talent: candidates must demonstrate exceptional aptitude and strong interest in an aviation career.
• Age and education: young people between 17 and 23 years old, high-school graduates, Romanian citizens.

Proposed candidate selection

• Application submission: candidates will present a complete file, including their CV, motivation letter, proof of financial situation and a recommendation letter.
• Personal interview: those preselected will attend an interview to present their vision and motivation to become pilots.
• Final evaluation: the Board of Directors will choose the three annual scholarship holders based on the file and the interview.

Programme funding

ACAR will initially fund the scholarships from its own funds, coming from sponsorships from multinational companies, state authorities and other actors in the aviation sector. Strategic partnerships and the involvement of sponsors will be essential for maintaining and expanding this programme.

Commitment to ACAR member companies

An essential aspect of this programme is the commitment that scholarship beneficiaries will make to the Association of Romanian Airline Companies „Carpathia” and the member companies. After completing the courses and obtaining the licences, young pilots will sign a commitment contract obliging them to work exclusively for an ACAR member airline for 5 years. In case of non-compliance, the pilots will have to pay the Association the amount of the tuition. This commitment is essential to ensure that the investment made in their education will contribute to the development of the Romanian aviation industry and the strengthening of the member companies.

In addition, the cost of the type rating — the specific training on a certain type of aircraft — will be covered by the ACAR member airline where the scholarship holder will work, giving young pilots a competitive advantage and rapid integration into commercial operations.

Courses and modules covered by the scholarships

• PPL (Private Pilot License)
• CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
• MEP (Multi-Engine Piston)
• MET (Multi-Engine Turbine)
• ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)

Monitoring and support during training

Scholarship beneficiaries will be monitored throughout the training period, ensuring that they meet all academic and professional requirements. The programme will offer:

• Mentoring: each scholarship holder will have a mentor from within the ACAR member airlines.
• Internships: scholarship holders will carry out internships within Romanian airlines, having the opportunity to gain practical experience in flight operations.

Benefits for scholarship beneficiaries

• Guaranteed access to aviation education: the programme removes financial barriers and offers talented but resourceless young people access to one of the most prestigious and demanding careers.
• Employment opportunity: after completing their studies, young pilots will have a job guaranteed for 5 years at an ACAR member airline, giving them professional stability and a clear career outlook.
• Type rating guaranteed: the costs of training on a certain type of aircraft, which are usually high, will be borne by the airline, giving young people complete integration into commercial operations.
• Contribution to the Romanian aviation industry: scholarship beneficiaries will have the chance to start their careers working for Romanian companies, thus strengthening the national industry and contributing to increasing its sustainability and competitiveness internationally.

Impact and benefits for the aviation industry

• Increase in qualified human resources: the programme will contribute to training a new generation of well-prepared Romanian pilots who will support the development of the member airlines.
• Strengthening the national industry: through this programme, ACAR will directly contribute to strengthening Romania's aviation sector, giving member companies access to a well-qualified and loyal workforce for a period of 5 years.
• Social responsibility and inclusion: the programme addresses the need for equity in access to education, offering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to pursue a prestigious career in a field of the future.

Conclusion

The Scholarship Programme for Training Young Romanian Pilots proposed by ACAR „Carpathia” not only offers young Romanians from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to become pilots, but also assures them a solid professional future, with guaranteed employment within the member airlines. Through this commitment, ACAR reaffirms its mission to support the sustainable development of the Romanian aviation industry, investing in its future by training the new generation of professional pilots.

ACAR „Carpathia” Project for Acquiring Modern Aircraft through the Modernisation Fund or Similar Mechanisms

Context and rationale

In the context of the objectives assumed by Romania and the European Union regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the improvement of energy efficiency, the aviation sector must contribute significantly to these efforts. The project proposed by ACAR „Carpathia” aims to propose the creation of a mechanism based on a precedent similar to that of the Railway Reform Authority (ARF), which managed to obtain funding from the Modernisation Fund for the acquisition of sustainable rolling stock (9 electric trains and 23 locomotives, an investment secured with 200 million Euro in funding through the Modernisation Fund).

General objective

The acquisition of modern, energy-efficient aircraft with low CO2 emissions, financed through the Modernisation Fund and leased to Romanian airlines, to support the reduction of the carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of the aviation sector.

Rationale and precedent

ARF demonstrated the success of using the Modernisation Fund for the acquisition of sustainable railway rolling stock, as part of the efforts for energy efficiency and emission reduction in the transport sector. Through projects such as the acquisition of new electric trains and energy-efficient locomotives, ARF established a viable model of collaboration between the state and private operators, financing modern equipment that contributes to Romania's environmental objectives.

Project details

• Aircraft acquisition — types: latest-generation aircraft will be acquired, equipped with energy-efficient engines and advanced emission-reduction technologies, such as the Airbus A320neo or Boeing 737 MAX, known for their high efficiency. Agreements can also be signed for hybrid, electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft, if they are EASA-certified.
• Number of aircraft: the project targets the acquisition of 5 new aircraft, to be gradually distributed to Romanian air operators.
• Funding: the main funding will come from the Modernisation Fund, allocated to Romania for the 2021–2030 period, which allows the use of funds for sustainable energy projects. New forms of funding, similar to the Modernisation Fund, can also be identified. Additionally, the project may benefit from co-financing from the state budget and other European funds dedicated to the green transition and energy efficiency.
• Leasing scheme: the acquired aircraft will be leased to Romanian air operators at competitive costs, similar to the model implemented by ARF for railway rolling stock, through the Romanian Commodities Exchange. All Romanian airlines (with a Romanian AOC) will be able to apply for leasing the aircraft, thus ensuring fair competition and equal access to modern technology.
• Implementation: the acquisition and distribution of the aircraft will take place over a 3-year period, with staggered deliveries to allow the gradual adaptation of operators. The project will include monitoring and periodic evaluation mechanisms to ensure the achievement of energy efficiency and emission reduction objectives.

Anticipated benefits

• Emission reduction: the implementation of this project will significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in Romania's aviation sector.
• Energy efficiency: the use of modern aircraft will reduce fuel consumption and improve the operational efficiency of airlines.
• Sustainability and competitiveness: Romanian airlines will benefit from cutting-edge technology, which will increase their competitiveness on the European and global market.
• Positive environmental impact: the project will contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise pollution in the areas served by these aircraft.

Conclusion

The ACAR „Carpathia” project for the acquisition of energy-efficient aircraft through the Modernisation Fund or similar mechanisms represents a strategic step towards sustainability and the reduction of the carbon footprint in the Romanian aviation sector. Inspired by the success of similar projects in the railway sector, this project will contribute to achieving Romania's climate objectives and to modernising the national aviation infrastructure.