Anca Apahidean,
Regional Director for Eastern Europe,
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Anca Apahidean has more than 35 years of experience in aviation, spanning aircraft manufacturing, technical operations, customer service and relationship management, sales and business development, as well as global industry affairs and financial distribution systems. She has built this expertise through a wide range of roles, primarily within the airline sector.
Since November 2010, Anca has served as IATA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe, overseeing all IATA activities across the region and working closely with governments, airport authorities, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), member airlines, and other industry stakeholders. Between 2008 and 2010, she was part of the Simplifying the Business team as Program Manager for Eastern Europe, Russia, and the CIS, leading the transition to 100% electronic ticketing and the automation of passenger airport processes.
Before joining IATA in 2006 as Country Manager for Romania and Moldova, Anca spent ten years with British Airways in Bucharest, holding a variety of positions including Airport Customer Services, Finance Director, Travel Agency Account Manager, Town Office Supervisor, and Commercial Director.
Prior to British Airways, she worked as a flight attendant, instructor, and accredited Cabin Safety Inspector for the Romanian Civil Aviation Authority, delivering both ground and in-flight training for cabin crew members.
She began her professional career as a Supervising Technician in the Aircraft Equipment Assembly Department for the ROMBAC 1-11 aircraft at ROMAERO Aircraft Manufacturing Company.
Anca graduated from the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and completed postgraduate studies in Management at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration. She is also a graduate of the Stanford Aviation Management Professional Program and has pursued advanced studies in corporate governance and sustainability. She is among the first graduates of the Master of Arts in Board Practice and Directorship at Henley Business School, University of Reading, United Kingdom.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global trade association of the airline industry, representing approximately 330 airlines that account for more than 80% of global air traffic. IATA supports numerous aspects of aviation activity and helps shape industry policy on critical aviation issues. Its mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry. For more than 70 years, IATA has developed the global commercial standards upon which the air transport industry relies.
In Eastern Europe, we work to improve policymakers’ understanding of the air transport industry and raise awareness of the benefits aviation brings to both national and global economies. We advocate for the interests of airlines, challenge unreasonable regulations and charges, and help airlines simplify processes, enhance passenger convenience, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.
At the same time, we help airlines operate safely, securely, efficiently, and economically in accordance with clearly defined standards, while providing professional support to all industry stakeholders through a wide range of products and services.
Key projects in recent years
Although implemented nearly two decades ago, the transition to fully electronic ticketing across Eastern Europe remains one of the region’s most significant achievements. It replaced an extensive paper-based system with a modern, streamlined digital platform, fundamentally transforming the way airlines distribute, manage, and settle tickets. This transformation was far more than a technological upgrade—it required extensive coordination among airlines, travel agencies, regulators, and technology partners.
What makes this accomplishment particularly remarkable is both its scale and the challenging environment in which it was delivered. Aviation markets across Eastern Europe were highly diverse and fragmented, with varying levels of digital maturity and often limited financial and technical resources. Many stakeholders—including airlines, airports, travel agencies, and government authorities—continued to rely heavily on traditional paper-based processes.
The transition to e-ticketing required a profound operational shift, strong regulatory alignment, and close cooperation across the entire industry, all achieved under tight deadlines and resource constraints.
It remains a compelling example of how determination, a shared vision, and effective regional collaboration can drive meaningful and lasting transformation.
Current priorities
Today, we manage a portfolio of strategically important projects that are shaping the future of aviation across Eastern Europe.
One of the key initiatives currently underway is the revision of the passenger rights framework (EU261), where we are working to ensure that enhanced consumer protection measures do not undermine airline competitiveness.
At the same time, we are actively supporting the development of regional infrastructure. From the Port Polska project in Poland to major airport modernization programs in Bucharest, Belgrade, Budapest, and Sofia, our focus is on addressing capacity constraints that limit passenger growth, operational efficiency, and connectivity.
Sustainability remains a central priority. We support progress in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) through dedicated working groups in Romania and Poland, building partnerships with authorities and suppliers to accelerate the region’s energy transition.
In parallel, we continue to safeguard the competitiveness of regional airlines by engaging in discussions on new taxation initiatives, increases in airport and air navigation charges, and emerging environmental requirements. Our objective is to ensure that such regulations support— rather than hinder—Eastern Europe’s ability to compete on equal terms.
All of these initiatives are carried out in close collaboration with national carriers, helping them remain resilient and well prepared for future challenges.
Instead of a Conclusion
Aviation has always been a catalyst for progress, but the past three decades have transformed the industry in ways that would have been difficult to predict. We have witnessed the emergence of new business models, unprecedented global connectivity, and greater accessibility to air travel than ever before. At the same time, technology has become central to the industry—from predictive maintenance and electronic ticketing to increasingly seamless passenger experiences.
The sector has also faced major challenges, including geopolitical shifts, economic crises, and the profound impact of the pandemic. Yet aviation has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, emerging stronger and more innovative after every crisis.
Sustainability has likewise become a defining priority. What was once largely a topic of discussion has evolved into a firm industry-wide commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
And despite all these changes, aviation’s fundamental role remains unchanged: connecting people, cultures, and opportunities; supporting economic development; and serving as a genuine force for good.
