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DALLAS - The Romanian civil aviation sector is a versatile one, ready to capture significant commercial growth opportunities while adapting as necessary to regional and global events.
Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Romania became a beacon of hope in the civil aviation sector thanks to the efforts of Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) and the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR), both of which ensured the safe transit of Ukrainian refugees and the security of Romanian skies.
In an exclusive interview with Airways, Nicolae Stoica, Director General of the AACR, described how the top aviation regulator in Romania adapted to the effects of the Russian invasion in Ukraine and detailed growth opportunities for Romanian civil aviation amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Securing the Skies
Secure skies are integral to any civil aviation system and especially so for Romania, considering the country shares a border with Ukraine.
Stoica said that the AACR is working with Romanian and civil authorities with the aim of supporting repatriation flights out of OTP and preventing the Russian invasion of Ukraine from affecting "the safety of civil aviation in Romania."
He added that the AACR informed airlines about EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) concerns surrounding the situation in Ukraine.
Crucially, Stoica referenced the suspension by the Romanians of the "Agreement between the Government of RS Romania and the Government of the USSR on civil air transport, signed in Bucharest on December 22, 1976."
He added that the AACR issued a subsequent NOTAM declaring that "Romanian airspace was closed for flights, with or without landing at the country's airports, for the aircraft of operators registered in the Russian Federation."
However, Stoica said that exceptions to the suspension and airspace closure include "humanitarian and emergency flights" before continuing, saying that drone operators also face new rules when operating on the border between Romania and Ukraine.
Cybersecurity is another major concern for countries surrounding Ukraine, and Stoica said that the "AACR's website and computer systems were not affected" before adding that the agency is working with the Romanian DNCS (National Directorate of Cyber Security).
Adapting Amid the Pandemic
At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, civil aviation across Romania and the world was severely impacted, Stoica said that the AACR as a "self-financing state-owned company" also encountered "financial problems."
Stoica added that his appointment as Director-General came amid the height of the pandemic in 2020 and he worked with colleagues to implement "remedial measures [and] end the year 2021 on a profit."
Europe-wide collaboration, according to Stoica, was also essential as the AACR worked with other countries across the continent to effectively implement health measures on flights in the name of "preventing COVID-19 virus infection."
Civil Aviation Growth Via Infrastructure Development
Romania is a large country with diverse landscapes from the peaks of the Carpathian Mountains to the wetlands of the Danube Delta, one where roads and trains cannot always serve as the most efficient or effective modes of transportation.
A strong civil aviation system supported by robust infrastructure is crucial for travel within the country.
However, many cities across the country from Brașov on the foothills of the Carpathians to Galați and Brăila along the Danube River have no airports with commercial air service and Stoica admitted that "Romania is in a continuous development."
Stoica said that the impetus for the development of civil aviation infrastructure within Romania must be "established by local or central authorities."
However, Stoica said that he will use his position at the helm of the AACR to "get involved and support the local authorities" in the development of airports around the country.
Stoica then referenced Brașov, where the AACR is working on the development of "Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport" in conjunction with CJ Brașov and ROMATSA (Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration). He added that when Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport becomes operational, "Romania will be able to be proud of the first airport equipped with a virtual control tower."
Stoica also said that he has "received requests for support from the local authorities in the counties of Brăila and Galaţi for the construction of an airport," representing a pathway for the development of an airport serving the Danube cities.
In addition to working with local authorities, Stoica said that "collaboration between the decision-makers in the field of civil aviation and industry is essential" for the development of the civil aviation sector in Romania.
Furthermore, the AACR signed in 2021 a memorandum of understanding with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), one that Stoica described as mitigating "safety issues by offering the possibility of analysis of multiple interconnected information sources" that include "inspections and audits."
It will allow the AACR to better identify "the existing and possible areas of risk and so offer the chance for timely safety improvement interventions" as necessary.
Looking Ahead
Romania is a very active country with respect to the commercial aviation industry, with airlines connecting the country, which harbors the potential for domestic growth, across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
In addition to "dealing with the ongoing situation in Ukraine," Stoica said that the civil aviation industry needs to apply lessons learned since 2020 to craft rules and regulations that allow the industry "to apply regulations in a smoother way while also maximizing the quality of the outputs and offering the necessary support for innovation."
Stoica described digitalization as an important focus, saying that the AACR has "already made serious upgrades to [their] internal and external working system" before emphasizing that more work is necessary to facilitate "an efficient digital information flow and better administration of aviation business."
"Difficult times," ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in the words of Stoica, have brought an "opportunity for the aviation sector to step up and achieve technological innovation, support the development of sustainable aviation fuels; apply new market-based measures; develop crisis management practical tools; concentrate on unmanned aircraft innovations; artificial intelligence; biometrics; electric aircraft; and so much more."
Stoica said that "building a resilient civil aviation system is difficult, but the positive effects surpass the efforts involved" before concluding that "all the steps that we take bring benefits not only to the aviation sector but to all."
The AACR is working to ensure that Romania continuously develops a robust and resilient civil aviation system, one ready to take on the 21st century.
Featured image: AACR General Director Nicolae Stoica. Photo: AACR
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