In its classical sense, an airport is a combination consisting of a runway and passenger and cargo terminals, an aerodrome, and the control tower. In the last 25 years, the development of the aviation industry has led to a significant increase in international travelers. The aviation industry is a niche where the major players are airlines and airports.
The increasing demand for international travel has led to the need for the privatization of airports and their further development. There are currently about 80 international airport operators around the world that manage the majority of airports in the world and provide a range of operational and managerial services related to airside operation and terminal operation.
Civil aviation employs approximately 10 million people. Due to the nature of the industry, the majority of these are men. Georgia is the only country in the region to have two airports headed by a woman manager, despite the fact that the percentage of women in leadership positions is very low.
Tea Zakaradze began her career in Georgian Aviation in 2005. She herself says that starting a new career in a male-dominated industry was not easy. However, her willingness to take on any challenge, without fear, helped her establish herself.
We visited Tea’s workplace and got to know the operation of Tbilisi International Airport. The first part of the conversation took place at the aerodrome.
We have now reached the most important part of the airport, the aerodrome. How often do monitor construction, infrastructure or other operational work on site?
As per tradition, Friday is “Airside Day”. Airside includes the aerodrome and technical maintenance, garages, ground handling and firefighting services. My team and I are working on the final details to open and commission the new taxiway at the aerodrome. The airport is a living organism that requires renewal and implementation of various infrastructures projects every year. We invested an extra $2.5 million to build a new taxiway at Tbilisi International Airport. The new taxiway increases the runway throughput and makes it easier for aircrafts to move around the aerodrome. Tbilisi International Airport now has six taxiways.
My management style has never been to observe work or operational processes from my office. I joined the TAV Georgia team when construction began on the Tbilisi International Airport in 2005.
I learned a lot from working in different positions. From the flight operations to the parking, I was able to learn all the details required to run an airport efficiently. I never take a superficial approach to any issue. A thorough approach and an understanding of every technical detail help me make the best decisions with my team. In addition to being actively involved in the 24/7 operation of two airports I also maintain daily communication with other airport management, which allows us to share experiences on specific issues. Together with my colleagues, I am involved in bringing new carriers to the Georgian aviation industry and we are currently negotiating with existing airlines about increasing flight frequencies.
It is difficult to predict the return of aviation to 2019 figures. We offer favorable conditions to new or existing airlines while the company deals with the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic.
At the airport, I only see men. Some say that aviation is a male-dominated field. How difficult was it for you to adapt and establish yourself within the male-dominated aviation industry?
I agree that aviation is a field dominated by men. My mother, my main motivator played a major role in shaping me into a strong, independent woman. I was born in a family of doctors. My mother was a leader in the medical field at that time, which was unusual in Georgia. She broke many stereotypes and barriers during her professional career. Her example helped me to pave my way in my career and not be afraid to take on new challenges. The education I received abroad helped me become more independent, and I gained adaptability skills and a new perspective that helped to help me succeed in different environments. In a male-dominated environment, I don’t want to lose my authenticity to a man’s mindset. I always stay true and approach leadership my own authentically.
Women make up 44% of TAV Airports top managers
I’m very happy to be working for an international company where gender is not a concern. In spite of the many changes that have occurred in the last few years, ensuring equality between men and women in the private sector and the public sector, as well as providing a work environment that facilitates their economic growth, remains a challenge. I can confirm that TAV Airports’ policy is based on gender equality and provides employment for its employees. TAV Airports’ Top Managers, 44% of whom are women, is a great achievement, especially when you consider that aviation is a male-dominated field.
Tbilisi International Airport received 5 stars from Skytrax, and was recognized as a Covid-19 Safe Airport. What else can we expect in 2019?
Skytrax, the most influential and prestigious aviation consulting company, has awarded Tbilisi International Airport with a 5-star safety certificate for Covid-19. Independent experts from Britain, Skytrax, assessed 150 protocols in the airport to ensure safety. Our number one priority is to ensure a safe environment for both our employees and passengers. We exercise the same level prudence and caution to ensure that both airports we operate are in full compliance with WHO and other international standards. Tbilisi International Airport was one of only 20 airports rated 5-stars globally.
Tbilisi International Airport was also recognized in ACI World’s Voice of the Customer in February 2022. This is proof that the airport prioritized the interests of its customers and remained committed to providing a comfortable environment for all passengers, even during the pandemic.
Both airports have infrastructure ready for the busy and hot summer travel season. Eurowings is a new German airline that will be operating in the direction Frankfurt-Tbilisi. The new German airline, Eurowings, will start operating flights in the direction Stuttgart-Tbilisi starting July this year.
Tea Zakaradze’s willingness to take on any challenge, without fear, helped her establish herself in a male-dominated aviation industry
Batumi International Airport has also received some news. We are also in active negotiations with a large air-company that will be operating flights from Europe to Batumi. Belavia Airlines is planning big things for both of the airports we operate during the summer. The air-company will increase flight frequencies, anticipate a 30% increase in passengers and add a new direction to Batumi Airport. The existing air-companies also approached us to request an increase in flight frequency.
In 2022 we will introduce new technologies at both the international airports of Tbilisi, and Batumi. We have already implemented electronic check-in (BRS, CAPS) systems that will make the baggage sorting and passenger check-in processes faster, easier and more comfortable. By the end the year, modern technological systems will also be introduced in the car park. In terms of infrastructure development, we plan to expand Duty Free shops at both airports that we operate. We will offer passengers a wider selection of Georgian products and support the local market. We are also adding cafe-style food courts and restaurants to both airports. Costa Coffee, the famous British coffeehouse brand, is opening its first facility at Tbilisi International Airport with our involvement. We are also renovating and extending the Tbilisi International Airport’s CIP lounge, which is for our priority passengers. We have many innovations. We try to make our passengers comfortable at our airports. We also hope that the current epidemic situation will soon be over in both our country and worldwide, allowing people to travel freely.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career at an airport?
Never let anyone make you doubt your own authenticity. Success is achieved through hard work and dedication. It is not uncommon to find women working at different levels in airports, such as in passenger handling, terminal operations and general management. They can also be found in the technical department. We hire people at TAV based on their qualifications and skills for the job, not their gender or their age. We support women in aviation and always value equal opportunities.
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