Connecting East and West

 

Interview with Mrs. Dagmar Grossmann  

What is the main reason for establishing CEPA?

Looking back to a long career in aviation I found out that it is extremely important to be connected within the environment. Many things happened and being a member of several associations I always hoped to get support, but in only very rare cases this really took place. When I decided five years ago to set up an aviation company in Central Europe, I understood that even all these states are members of EU, and members of the European associations, it is very difficult to connect these two still very different  worlds. Currencies, financial aspects as well as operational differences lead to the fact that many deals and opportunities are not realized in a way they could be. I realized basically what I was always missing in my career – a functioning network – and I founded CEPA.

 

There are many existing associations, do you see a space for another one?

Our Association is focused on the connection between Central and Western Europe with all the existing differences. We offer to all the operators, future clients or interested people a networking tool to get support, help or simply a huge amount of exchanged interest on the field of business aviation.

Why do you focus on Central and Eastern Europe region?

There will be only two big markets in the next five years in the world of aviation - India and Central Europe. We focus on the market we are in – Central Europe. It is promising and market research showed that the potential is tremendous. Some of the countries more others less. But in all my business activities in Central Europe I experienced that there was just a little bit misunderstanding and missing trust on both sides, that the deals were not as successful as they could be. I felt that there was not enough knowledge and information in terms of aviation and simply no institution or people really to help and show the way or clear the misunderstandings.

What will the membership bring to CEPA members?

Being a member of CEPA (Central Europe Private Aviation) means you can register your company on the website, get connected to others, have a clear overview in terms of markets and statistics,legal advices and help to get the right people for your problem. Simply everything concerning business aviation. Networking and the help for investors, consultants, pilots to get a clear picture into the Central Europe market and vice versa. Our goal is to set up a convention for Central Europe compared to EBACE in the next two years. We already work on that and many investors are really keen on supporting us. Personally I always missed this link and  therefore we decided to go for CEPA.