Marius Popescu: Passion, Leadership and Vision for Romanian Aviation

Interview with Marius Popescu, Carpathia founder, about Romanian aviation, diplomacy, leadership, and the challenges of the airline industry.

Marius Popescu, a reference point in aviation and government relations, founder of the Romanian Airlines Association “Carpathia,” is a professional with extensive experience in representing Romania at the European and UNO* levels, as well as in relations with public entities. Formed at the intersection of journalism, diplomacy, and aviation, he has transformed his passion for air transport into a mission to build bridges between people and institutions, promoting a united, visible, and respected Romanian aviation industry at the international level.

*He has never been a member of any political party in Romania.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, so as to spark curiosity among those who don’t know you yet?
Marius Popescu: I’m someone who doesn’t shy away from difficult paths, who is drawn to challenges, but who is guided at every step by reason and discipline, turning my passion for aviation into a mission to bring together people, companies, and institutions, building bridges between purpose and result, with the intention of adding value to Romania’s aviation industry.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Marius Popescu: I began my career as a journalist, the peak of this stage being at one of Romania’s most important television stations, where I covered the justice field (prosecutors’ offices and courts). Through this experience, I gained rigor and respect for the law—values that have guided me in all my professional roles. Later, I advised the president and vice-president of the Romanian Senate, ministers, and state secretaries, and within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs I held leadership positions. Although I mainly worked in communications, I broadened my responsibilities by engaging in other projects, which awakened my appetite for diplomacy. Later came the challenge of TAROM—aviation, an old passion of mine—where I managed crises and strategic communication, with a focus on marketing. Obtaining my pilot licenses brought operational discipline and absolute responsibility, while laying the foundations of the Romanian Airlines Association “Carpathia” turned me, along with colleagues, into the architect of a unique platform. In parallel, I continued to work in European affairs and international relations, strengthening institutional dialogue and the diplomatic side of my activity. My experience with European institutions confirmed that efficient policies are built on data, perseverance, and consensus.

C&B: What were the main obstacles encountered in creating an organization dedicated to Romania’s aviation industry?
Marius Popescu: The hardest part was bringing to the same table people and companies who, for years, saw each other as rivals. And it still is a challenge. Each has its own experiences and misunderstandings, but at the core, we all share the same ideal: fair rules, a level playing field, recognition, and a stronger common voice. I must admit, my relational network mattered, as did my experience in diplomacy and crisis communication. That’s how I knew how to mediate discussions—starting with small steps, transparency, clear rules, quick results—things that began changing perceptions. At the same time, we had to navigate an unstable public context, heavily politicized. The solution was to anchor ourselves in a technical foundation and remain consistent. The biggest obstacle was to prove that this initiative was not just an idea, but a functional platform, with real value for all involved.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Marius Popescu: It may sound funny, but I always wanted to master the art of dialogue, to be a good mediator able to reconcile people, and to succeed, through shared visions and goals, in fulfilling an ideal. Somehow, this dream has always followed me, no matter what roles I had. Over time, it intertwined with my passion for aviation. I am the son of an aviator, and I have always felt a personal sense of belonging in this field. I grew up in the 1990s–2000s with stories of flight and with the image of my father wearing the TAROM uniform when Romania flew directly to New York, Chicago, Montreal, Beijing, New Delhi, Bangkok, and more. That experience marked me and convinced me that Romania can once again aspire to internationally respected aviation. Today, my dream is for passengers to benefit from safe and comfortable services at fair prices, without being forced to choose only compromise solutions. I wish for Bucharest to become an important hub again, with long-haul flights, and for Romanian aviation to once again be regarded with respect and admiration.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed until now?
Marius Popescu: At the beginning, I was not calculated; I was eager to prove myself and to get things done immediately. Over time, I realized that true value doesn’t come from speed but from construction and consistency. Studies, professional experiences, and my passion for aviation disciplined me and taught me to think long-term. I’ve always had the chance to be close to people in high state positions, to breathe the same air as decision-makers. That proximity gave me access to another perspective: how responsibility is managed, how high-level negotiations unfold, and how much balance matters in times of pressure. At the same time, interactions with top private-sector management showed me that success isn’t built individually but through stable teams and clear processes. Today, I am more balanced, more detail-oriented, and more concerned with leaving behind functional structures and people prepared to carry things forward.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Marius Popescu: They would probably say I’m a rigorous person who cares about details. Some would describe me as demanding, maybe even too direct at times. I’m sure not everyone would speak only positively of me… But that’s normal when you raise the bar and expect more. At the same time, they know I’m fair, that I respect my team, and that I never ask for something I wouldn’t do myself. Those who know me better would add that, beyond all the rigor, I always try to give courage and energy when times are tough. And there’s another thing: no matter where we are now, my former collaborators know I’m approachable, I answer the phone, and whenever they need help, I don’t hesitate.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Marius Popescu: For me, it wasn’t just one decision but several moments that changed my direction so far. I think of when I left journalism—a field I knew well, where I had access to people and important information—to enter a totally unfamiliar world: the top institutions of the state and certain politicians. It was a risky choice, but that’s where I learned how responsibility is built and what it means to physically participate in the decision-making process. Another moment was when I felt the need to step away from politicians and turn to diplomacy—a path that meant not just negotiation and dialogue, but also a lot of communication and strategic marketing, which helped me better understand how to build image and trust. Now, and perhaps the hardest, is the gradual process of leaving the comfort of a stable and motivating position, choosing instead to get involved in Romanian aviation—a field that needs people willing to take on exposure and responsibility. These weren’t, and aren’t, easy or risk-free choices, but I felt it was more important to try to contribute to something that matters than to remain in a safe zone.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it a natural process or something learned?
Marius Popescu: For me, leadership took shape through what I managed to achieve, not through what I said. People follow you when they see objectives being met and decisions—though sometimes uncomfortable—leading to results. I learned that numbers and indicators don’t forgive: if you don’t have measurable progress, everything remains just a nice story that proves illusory in the end. At the same time, I had the courage to take on projects others considered impossible and to show, through hard work and perseverance, that they can be turned into reality. My leadership style was built through timely decisions, assuming full responsibility, and seeing things through. It may not be the smoothest path, but it’s the only one that has shown me the difference between words and results lies in accountability and consistency.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Marius Popescu: I think the main difference is in how I see things: I don’t settle for “that’s how it’s done” or explanations like “it’s impossible.” I reply with “but why” or “it must be possible, let’s find a way.” I learned to navigate where turbulence is and where others see barriers, trying to turn those blockages into opportunities. In an industry where silence and waiting are often preferred, I chose to take initiative, to call things as they are, and to put uncomfortable topics on the table. Not to make noise, but because that’s the only way something changes for the better—by putting your finger on the wound. In addition, I’ve tried to blend three worlds that rarely meet: institutional experience, diplomacy, and aviation itself. From this mix came an approach where I don’t just look at numbers, but also at trust, reputation, and the long term. Perhaps that’s what sets me apart: I don’t stop at diagnosis—I seek solutions and have the courage to voice them.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Marius Popescu: My day usually begins with European affairs and international relations, a responsibility I’ve assumed and which is part of my daily activity. Then I turn to aviation, where I try to have daily dialogue with Romanian airlines, analyze charts and figures, and start discussions with the other side of the table to find solutions to concrete issues. In parallel, there’s also the management and consultancy component, where I try to put ideas together, find new perspectives, and offer support where needed. My greatest satisfaction comes when I see an initiative I’ve started reaching resolution or having visible impact.

C&B: What is it like to coordinate an association made up of multiple companies, each with its own objectives and priorities?
Marius Popescu: It’s a beautiful challenge, because each company has its own rhythm and priorities, and sometimes they can even be opposing. And at the helm of these companies are valuable people—people who have truly achieved something in this field. My role is to find common ground and provide a space where differences don’t become barriers, but sources of dialogue. The association brings together Romanian airlines operating a fleet of over 23 Airbus and Boeing aircraft with the Romanian flag on their fuselage and YR registration, millions of passengers transported, and hundreds of jobs.

But what differentiates us is that we don’t just talk about numbers, but about principles: Solutions. Partnership. Support. The uniting of forces of Romanian-registered air operators means a consolidated voice and the promotion of excellence in aviation. Our goal? To promote, protect, and support the interests of these companies in the face of industry challenges. Through collaboration and united representation, the Romanian Airlines Association “Carpathia” aims to facilitate the sustainable development of Romanian aviation.

C&B: How did the idea of founding the Romanian Airlines Association Carpathia come about, and what motivated you to become co-founder?
Marius Popescu: The idea came during my time at TAROM, when together with Cătălin Ilie, CEO of Uplift and former deputy CEO at BlueAir, we realized that Romanian operators lacked an entity to uniformly represent their interests. Until then, the voices of Romanian airlines, especially those that weren’t big players, didn’t carry the same weight—they were often ignored or… postponed. The only visible association at the time was that of airports, and this imbalance was strongly felt. We all sensed the lack of a platform where Romanian airlines could be heard and have the weight needed to positively influence the industry. That’s how, in 2022, the idea took shape: to create an entity that would represent operators’ interests, propose sustainable projects, engage in dialogue with academia and Europe, and build a common voice for Romanian aviation.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people following your example, what would it be?
Marius Popescu: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and don’t be discouraged when the road seems hard. Have the courage to take risks, even when everyone tells you “it can’t be done.” Be consistent, disciplined, and never let anyone belittle or laugh at you. If someone kicks you out the door, climb back in through the window and keep moving forward. Respect and recognition come through work, through results, and through the strength to rise after every obstacle! And perhaps most importantly, remain fair people and help your team and former collaborators when they need it. Talk, network. That, I believe, is a true measure of a solid professional journey.

Marius Popescu remains a strong and visionary voice in Romanian aviation, proving that with discipline, passion, and open dialogue, lasting bridges can be built between people, companies, and institutions.