Final Call: Ottonel Popesco, Cavotec

In the second of a new series that profiles key individuals from the airport world, Mark Glover from International Airport Review spoke to the CEO of Cavotec, Ottonel Popesco about the ground handling sector and the key developments that are currently taking place in the industry.

Mark Glover: How important is service and support following the installation of Cavotec products?

Ottonel Popesco: In the sense that close, longterm cooperation with customers is an integral element to the Cavotec offering, after-sales service is a natural continuation of the sort of relationships the group seeks to create. Wherever possible, we look to develop strategic partnerships with airports, airlines and industry bodies that solve specific challenges facing airports. This process starts with airport design and extends to after-sales service and support.

MG: How important is it for today’s hangars to provide services at the location where they are actually required?

OP: Our customers tell us this is a critical consideration. There is so much that can be done to improve how airports function, and ensuring hangars provide services where they are actually needed is one of these things that sounds intuitive, but is not always the case. We are seeing considerable movement in this area. For example, we recently announced news of an order for a comprehensive air and electrical power system for a United Airlines hangar at Dulles International Airport.

MG: Which testing techniques does Cavotec undergo to ensure the company conforms to applicable regulations and standards?

OP: Cavotec consultants and engineers offer customers extensive experience of the global GSE sector, and ensure that all Cavotec systems and technologies meet, and indeed often exceed, all relevant regulatory requirements. As I say, we frequently work with international organisations on formulating the design and specifications of GSE; for example we are IATA Strategic Partners.

MG: Is there a particular Cavotec product that you are most proud of?

OP: Probably the fact that Cavotec is one of the few companies in the airport sector that offers customers complete system integration: air, fuel, power, water services all through a single supplier. Our comprehensive and integrated approach to projects not only makes life easier for customers, it means that we can deliver optimal, highly efficient holistic solutions for airports airlines and ultimately passengers.

I am also excited about our continuing work on innovation and research into new technologies. We must continue to provide the best possible solutions, using our engineering expertise and our keen focus on innovation: there is still much to be done to improve how the world’s airports operate.

MG: What efforts does Cavotec make to reduce the industry’s environmental impact with their products?

OP: It’s not an exaggeration to say that virtually all Cavotec GSE helps to reduce environmental impact. For example, our PCair and converter systems enable pilots to switch off aircraft GPUs shortly after landing thus reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. Similarly, our 400Hz systems reduce reliance on diesel driven vehicles and equipment, also helping to cut emissions.

MG: Where do you see the ground handling industry heading within the next 10 years?

OP: If we consider how regulatory demands surrounding safety and the environment have driven the technological pace in, for example, the ports and shipping industry, I think we can expect similar improvements in the airports sector in future. As far as technological development is concerned, we are already seeing tremendous potential from previously untapped areas such as technological crossover. For example, we have adapted our airport pit systems for use in ports. It is entirely reasonable that this process will work in reverse and will see airports incorporate technologies from external sectors.

The on-going move towards increased automation and electrification throughout a wide spectrum of airport operations will undoubtedly also continue to play a key role in future projects, something in which we have a well-established track record.

With innovative thinking and inspired engineering anything becomes possible!

Biography

Ottonel Popesco is a member of the Cavotec Board and the company’s CEO. Popesco holds an MSc in Economics from the Bucharest Academy, an MBA from Sorbonne University, an Ingénieur Professionnel de France-diploma from Societé Nationale des Ingenieurs Professionnels de France and a strategic marketing management-diploma from Harvard Business School. Prior to joining Cavotec in 1988, he spent five years as Sales and Marketing Manager at ABB France.