The future is food, Frédéric Chevalier Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Lagardère Travel Retail, told Aviation-Event 2025 CLJ, held on March 21, 2025, in Cluj-Napoca.
Mr Chevalier shared that the future of airport dining revolves around restaurants selling fresh food, improving Mr Chevalier the passenger experience compared to standard inflight meals.
Asked about how to sell to people in the future, he said the future is food, airside food, carrying fresh, warm food to the gate. So, instead of selling terrible food on board, passenger can buy before they fly
Candace McGraw of Cincinnati North Kentucky airport, Chair of ACI World Governing Board, outlined the alarming impact on the aviation industry of Donald Trump’s tariffs and related economic turmoil, saying people’s concern about their pension funds may shift public opinion in America, but this would take some time.
The conference heard that European airports have shown recovery trends, particularly during summer, though Germany faces challenges.
While Germany’s air market is still back to just 90pc of pre-pandemic, airlines such as Condor and TuiFly cater to leisure travel, have been expanding routes to destinations in the Caribbean and Africa where margins can be higher than in other markets.
Growth in Turkey may be affected by political tensions and a shrinking domestic economy and related issues impacting on travel demand.
Romania’s aviation sector reports growth rates of 7 to 15pc annually, although bottlenecks at Otopeni Airport have raised concerns about capacity and competition.
Romanian regional airports are facing competition pressure and operational challenges due to limited resource allocations and infrastructural inadequacies. Infrastructure deficiencies, such as an unevolved road system and limited rail coverage, complicate travel logistics across the country and benefit regional airports. Delegates heard that, without enhancements, further development and growth in the region’s air travel may be hindered.
Airports in Italy, Greece, and Spain display high occupancy levels, contrasting with stagnation observed in Germany despite strong demand in Turkish routes.
Delegates heard that a potential reduction in aviation taxes by the new German government may influence travel dynamics, differentiating policy in Berlin from Paris, which is going the opposite direction with tax increases.
Chair of Cluj council Maria Forna told delegates it is essential to invest strategically, promote innovation, and strengthen partnerships to meet the challenges that aviation faces.
The event featured several prominent speakers:
- Emil Boc: Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, delivered a video welcome message highlighting regional aviation significance.
- Alexander Bogoyavlenski: Journalist at Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, reports on aviation and economic trends in Eastern Europe.
- Frédéric Chevalier, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Lagardère Travel Retail, who spoke about digital innovation in airport retail.
- David Ciceo, CEO of Cluj International Airport, who presented the aviation landscape of Romania, focusing on Cluj-Napoca, during the Moderated Welcome Keynote coordinated by Raphael Muelders, a journalist from La Libre Belgique.
- Luc Citrimot: Journalist at Voyages d’Affaires, specializes in travel and aviation industry insights.
- Askin Demir: CEO of LAS LIMAK AIBD SUMMA SA, drives growth at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Senegal.
- Luis Felipe de Oliveira: Former Director General of ACI World, led global airport advocacy with extensive aviation experience.
- Maria Fornea, Prefect of Cluj County, spoke at the opening, emphasizing the growth and success of Cluj International Airport.
- Rüdiger Franke: CEO of Hahn Airport, oversees operations and strategic development of the German regional airport.
- Marian-Jean Marinescu: Aviation Specialist, advocate for Cluj Airport’s economic contributions and industry policies.
- Candace McGraw, Chair of ACI World Governing Board, participated in the main Keynote Interview with Marcel Riwalsky, CEO of Aviation-Event, discussing aero-political challenges in a changing landscape.
- Raphael Meulders: Journalist at La Libre Belgique, moderates aviation discussions with a focus on European markets.
- José Ramón Bauzá: Former Balearic Islands President and MEP, provides insights on aviation policy and regional connectivity.
- Miquel Ros: Aviation Journalist at AeroTime, covers global aviation trends and industry developments.
- Marcel Riwalsky of Aviation Event chaired the key sessions.
- Antoine Rostworowski, Senior Vice President, Programs and Commercial Services, Airports Council International (ACI) World, shared insights on the event.
- Maria Toma: Cluj County Governor, emphasized Cluj International Airport’s role in regional economic
The conference included additional speakers in three panel discussions covering topics such as liberalisation, decarbonisation, innovation, and aviation safety.
Maria Fornea shared: The success of Cluj Airport is not accidental “I am glad to be here alongside experts in the field. This event represents an opportunity to highlight the transformation and innovation in the aviation sector. The ‘Avram Iancu’ International Airport in Cluj is the second largest airport in Romania and proudly bears the name ‘Gateway to Transylvania’. The airport has consistently demonstrated that it is a real economic engine and connectivity hub, having surpassed the threshold of three million passengers. This success is not accidental, but rather the result of the work of all: the airport management team, local authorities, and partner institutions. Today’s event brings together experts from various public and private institutions.”
Candace McGraw and Marcel Riwalsky
