At a time of crisis, it is important that all voices in the sector sound as one. It is key for the state to hear the position of the industry clearly, especially when the situation is dynamic and requires quick solutions. With these words, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Dimitar Nedyalkov addressed the participants in the establishment of "Your Wings” Cluster – a new branch initiative that unites aviation, innovation and high technology.
Deputy Minister Nedyalkov stressed that aviation is among the sectors that set the standard for modernization and technological development. He pointed out that civil aviation in Bulgaria is developing sustainably. There are 26 maintenance organizations operating at Vasil Levski Airport – Sofia, 6 of which have hangars for complex activities. 19 commercial operators are licensed in the country, and there are over 300 aircraft in the register. State Enterprise "Air Traffic Management" reports more than 1.14 million serviced flights for the last year. The redirection of traffic due to hostilities in the Middle East further increases the load on our airspace.
Nedyalkov also emphasizes the need to prepare future aviation specialists, as the sector requires more and more highly qualified experts, especially in the field of new technologies and innovative air transport modes.
The Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration, Anelia Marinova, drew attention to the shortage of personnel in the sector. She stressed that the aviation professions need to be promoted among young people in order to ensure the sustainable development of the industry and ensure continuity in key specialities.
"Your Wings" Cluster brings together nine organizations from the aviation and high-tech community with a mission to connect the sector, stimulate innovation, research, sustainable technologies and training of young people in aviation, space technologies and autonomous systems. The event was also attended by the Minister of Innovation and Growth Dr. Irena Mladenova, the Chairman of Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association (BAIA) Todor Ivandzhikov, the Chairman of Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Tsvetan Simeonov and representatives of the aviation and technology community.
