People from aviation: Andreea Crăciunescu - Handling operator shift leader

If you flew at least once, you certainly saw different people around the plane. Each one has a very well defined role. One is in charge of supplying the airplane, another is in charge of catering, 2-3 employees are in charge of loading / unloading luggage, etc. All these actions are coordinated by a leader. Andreea Crăciunescu is handling operator shift leader!

To get acquainted! Are we talking to?

Andreea Crăciunescu- Chief of tour operator handling at Constanța International Airport - Mihail Kogalniceanu.

Where did your passion for aviation come from and how did you decide to enter the field?

My father, a military aviation engineer, guided my steps towards this job. My childhood was among the noises of Mig-29 and Mig-23.

What does your job involve and how much of an applicant is it?

This job involves a lot of responsibility. It is a complex job in which the attention must be distributive. But if you do your job seriously and are persistent, knowing what you want, plus if you really like what you do, you will end up having a career in aviation.

What has been your professional career so far? Can you tell us about aviation jobs?

I started 11 years ago, at Aurel Vlaicu Airport, as a handling operator at a private company serving MYAIR!

In May 2008, I was employed at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport, the same function, and with 3 years ago I became tour manager! When you want a career in aviation, you have to do everything to fulfill your wishes.

I participated in various courses through which I improved my field. I have always sought to go beyond my limits, to learn new things and to be prepared from all points of view.

I know you don't have a fixed schedule. How do you divide yourself between work, private life and family life?

This is exactly what I love most about my job! Every day is different! Indeed, it can sometimes be tiring, but I find a lot in what Confucius said: Choose a job you love and you will not work one day! The family supports me in everything I do!

Can you tell us how a day at work is going? Have you had ups and downs, pleasant situations and less pleasant ones?

A normal day starts at 07.30. I take the flight from my colleagues, I check the airport plan with the aircraft that operate that day, I prepare the specific documents for the aircraft, I coordinate the tour, I make sure that all sectors of the airport (Customs Office, Border Police, Air Transport Police) are informed about the activity of that day!

Pleasant situations can say that they are every day, every flight! Unfortunately, I also experienced unpleasant situations.

An unfortunate event, which took place one day in December, specifically on 15 December 2014, marked me. It was a beautiful and blustery winter day. On the runway of the airport landed the helicopter 348 SMURD, a technical stop for power supply. After 10 minutes after taking off, we were notified that it had crashed into Lake Siutghiol. An event that marked me!

What are your future professional plans? Do you want to stay in aviation or pursue another job?

I do not like to talk about the future! I always focus on what I live in today! And, to answer the question, I will simply say that aviation is my passion! I can't see myself doing anything else! For these reasons, I wish to perform in this field and to be the best!

What advice do you have for those who want to pursue a career in aviation?

I encourage everyone who wants to follow this path and will never regret it. Aviation is like a virus you don't want to get rid of. Offers among the most beautiful trades. "Aviation gives the feeling and makes you love and live!".

Last summer, when I flew to Constanța as part of the project #UnimRomania, Andreea took care of our aircraft. We thank them and we still wish them a pleasant service!

One more thing to mention. Andreea is also passionate about aviation photography. During his career, he met numerous commercial and military aircraft, including a Antonov ON THE MONTH :).