Romanian Commercial Aviation Cannot Be Overlooked; Its Development Must Be a National Priority

Marius Popescu, president of the Romanian Airline Companies Association "Carpathia" (RACA) known for his extensive expertise and firm stance on the issues within Romanian aviation, provides an incisive analysis in this interview on the gap between TAROM and rapidly growing private operators.

(English translation from https://www.capital.ro/marius-popescu-presedintele-acar-aviatia-comerciala-romaneasca-nu-poate-fi-lasata-deoparte-dezvoltarea-ei-trebuie-sa-fie-o-prioritate-nationala.html)

As an aviation specialist, Popescu highlights the impact of politicized management on TAROM’s stagnation, contrasting it with the dynamism of private companies like Legend Airlines, AnimaWings, FlyLili, and HiSky, which perform successfully on international routes and innovate in sustainability. In a decisive tone, Popescu argues for urgent and consistent state support for Romanian airlines and proposes concrete solutions for a sustainable, depoliticized, and competitive national aviation sector in the international market.

The Romanian aviation industry has shown significant growth in recent years, particularly after the exit of Blue Air. Meanwhile, TAROM appears stagnant, closing routes and selling off aircraft.

How do you explain this difference between the national airline's current operations and those of Romanian private operators?

TAROM’s problem is deeply systemic, and the solution will not be easy or quick. Unlike private operators who move nimbly with clear business plans and capable management teams, TAROM suffers from an entirely unprofessional political management. For years... It’s a shame that, in such a technical and competitive sector, we continue to see politically motivated appointments that bear no connection to aviation. Not to mention the discontinued routes: London, Vienna, Barcelona, Stockholm, Valencia…

Meanwhile, private companies are taking advantage of the situation, introducing innovative solutions and attracting more passengers. Unless we eliminate political interference, TAROM will not only fall behind but risks becoming irrelevant in the market. At the same time, other Romanian operators like FlyLili, AnimaWings, HiSky, and Legend Airlines are thriving. And it’s a great thing they are...

Romanian Legend Airlines landed all the way in Australia: How do you evaluate this success?

It is absolutely remarkable! The fact that a Romanian airline managed to bring the national stag, painted on an Airbus A340 fuselage, to the Australian continent is a source of pride for the entire Romanian aviation industry. Legend Airlines has proven it’s possible; that a private operator, with optimal resources and a clear strategy, can achieve things that, unfortunately, others no longer even dream of.

Besides its regular flights, they are contracted by the U.S. Department of State and the British Government, and you can expect more pleasant surprises with Legend: an internationally recognized quality certification. I want to emphasize the importance of this achievement: it’s not just about landing at the other end of the world; it’s a statement of ambition and vision.

Introducing energy-efficient Airbus A220s: Is this a paradigm shift for Romanian aviation?

What AnimaWings is doing is remarkable! Introducing the Airbus Aircraft A220 is a big step toward sustainability, a subject, unfortunately, few truly understand. AnimaWings is making a smart move, not only economically but also ecologically. These aircraft are more efficient and have a significantly lower carbon footprint, which is essential in modern aviation. Meanwhile, others continue operating older, inefficient aircraft that are costly and highly polluting.

Additionally, they’ll compete directly with TAROM on domestic routes such as Bucharest-Iași and Bucharest-Oradea, where they’ll offer better schedules and services. Why? It’s simple: Airbus for them versus ATR for TAROM. What would you choose? Not to mention other international destinations, like Dubai, where they will compete with low-cost and flydubai . An interesting period lies ahead, that’s for sure.

Impact of FLY LILI 's growth at Brașov airport on regional aviation

From my perspective, they are doing an excellent job, showing once again that with a competent team and clear vision, great things are possible. They are very serious, deliver quality, and do their job well. Brașov is a strategic point in Romania and it will grow; the fact that FlyLili has managed to bring international routes here is a perfect example of innovative thinking.

They already have flights to Istanbul, Madrid, Munich, Nuremberg, Rome, and Stuttgart. As I’ve said many times, Romanian private operators are not just doing well; they are setting new industry standards. I wouldn’t be surprised if, within a few years, FlyLili becomes a key player in Central and Eastern Europe.

How do you evaluate the Bucharest-New York direct flight? What is the aircraft load factor?

HiSky has hit the jackpot, and let’s not forget that they’ve also ignited an appetite for flights to the U.S.! Personally, I’m thrilled about this. I was approached to discuss potential routes like Bucharest – Chicago and Bucharest – Miami. We’ll see which Romanian airline will operate these flights…

The direct Bucharest-New York route is extremely important and strategic in the current geopolitical context. From my assessments, they now have an occupancy rate of over 85% on this route. TAROM flew this route in the past but discontinued it in 2004. At the end of the last decade, I personally raised the issue of reopening this route publicly—look it up in the press—but, unfortunately, I had no one to discuss it with. The same was in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Now, we see a young, ambitious company with possibly the largest transport capacity excelling. Here, we once again see the difference between a flexible, performance-focused private operator and a state-owned company mired in bureaucracy, poor decisions, nepotism, and favoritism. It’s a clear lesson on how an airline should be managed in the 21st century.

What is the role of the Romanian Airline Companies Association “Carpathia” (RACA)? How can it contribute to the development of Romanian aviation?

RACA “Carpathia” was born out of the need for Romanian operators to have a united voice. We’ve made it clear: Romanian aviation has enormous potential but suffers from a lack of support: from authorities, the government, weak representation, and so on. The Association aims to protect the interests of Romanian airlines, collaborate with academia and similar European associations, promote a competitive market, and especially raise awareness of the need for public policies that support this sector.

So far, RACA member companies have transported over one million passengers, operate a fleet of 14 aircraft registered in Romania, and support hundreds of jobs. However, for this success to continue, the state needs to intervene and provide real support. And not just the state, we have initiated discussions with other Romanian entities connected to this sector or that could support this effort, uniting Romanians for… Romanians. The responses we’ve received so far are encouraging.

How should the Romanian Government support Romanian airlines?

The government doesn’t seem to understand the importance of the aviation sector. Subsidies are needed to help grow Romanian airlines, just as we see in other European countries or on the railways in Romania. We need better air connectivity between major cities in Romania at reasonable prices. It’s necessary for domestic flights to be declared of public utility and to be operated with state-of-the-art aircraft.

It’s unacceptable for foreign low-cost carriers to dominate the Romanian market without paying the same taxes or following the same rules. We lack a level playing field! If we don’t act now, we risk having the Romanian market entirely taken over by foreign companies, and Romanian companies disappearing. It’s wrong that aviation only comes up in public discussions when a TAROM Board member switches parties, from the liberals to the socialists.

Maybe there should also be a conversation here. Why, in entities like the National Bank of Romania, are Board members required to give up their party membership upon taking this position, while in most state-owned companies they are not? If we scrutinize TAROM’s Board of Directors, almost all members have political affiliations…

What are your expectations from the new government, likely to form next year?

Expectations are high and justified. First and foremost, we want dialogue. Currently, we have no one to talk to… Romanian commercial aviation cannot be left out; its development must be a national priority. We need professional governance, free from political interference, and concrete measures to support Romanian airlines.

I hope the new government will understand that without aviation, there is no sustainable economic development. It’s time to stop the politicization and focus on what truly matters: sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness.