Q&A with Kata Cserep, Global Aviation Lead at PA Consulting & Chair of this year’s ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference in Dubrovnik  

It will be your first time chairing the ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference and Exhibition, what do you expect in terms of overall vibe?

I’m expecting a friendly, engaged group of speakers and delegates; in my experience regional airports tend to have more of a hands-on approach to running their operations, so I’m looking forward to hearing practical examples of how airports are tackling their strategic and operational challenges across Europe.

What current industry trends are bound to shape the discussions during RACE this year?

Decarbonisation is more than a trend, it’s a defining issue of our era and one of the key challenges the industry must rise to tackle together. I’m excited to see some of the key levers for airport decarbonisation on the agenda, as well as an in-depth discussion of the policy landscape influencing progress.

Is there one topic that you are particularly looking forward to exploring with the C-suite of confirmed presenters and speakers?

I’m particularly excited to hear how regional airports can turn their smaller scale to an advantage, and accelerate innovation and decarbonisation more rapidly than their larger peers, demonstrating what is possible and showing the way for the wider industry.

Why do you think it is important for Europe’s regional aviation community to come together and jointly assess the current industry trends and developments?  

While every airport is unique, issues are common to many, and there is great value in learning from others, and exchanging ideas about how best to move forward, both at the individual and the collective level.

How can delegates make the most of their time in Dubrovnik?

Join the conference activities, including the airport tour on Friday. And stay longer if at all possible! Dubrovnik is a wonderful place and I personally plan to stay for the weekend after the conference to explore it more fully.

And finishing on a more leisurely note, what’s on your bucket list of things to do or places to visit while in Dubrovnik? Have you been there before? 

I was last in Dubrovnik over a decade ago, as part of a larger trip around Croatia. It was in the height of summer that time so I am really looking forward to experiencing it in the shoulder season, revisiting the famous old town and its historic walls and walks but also getting out to one of the islands nearby to take in its beauty and of course eating some fresh seafood!

Join us for the 2024 ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference & Exhibition, 10-12 April 2024, Dubrovnik Croatia.

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