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Getting to Know Your Youth Engagement Committee – David Cojocar
To help our community get to know us a little better, we’re featuring Q&As each month about each of our team members. You can read about the whole team and check out who is behind all of BCAC’s exciting Youth Engagement projects here: https://www.bcaviationcouncil.org/youth-engagement-committee/
David Cojocar, Youth Engagement Committee Member
Age: 25
Occupation: Analyst at aviation industry consultancy
Image source: David Cojocar, 2020
What inspired you to pursue aviation?
I grew up in Budapest, Hungary in a bi-national household. Every few years I would fly to Canada to visit relatives – from a young age, the act of going to the airport and flying became synonymous with excitement and adventure. I have gravitated towards the upbeat, energy-filled atmosphere of air travel ever since.
As I grew older and learned more about this field, I realized it made a lot of sense to pursue a career in this area I am so passionate about. Although I have since developed a much more formal appreciation for the intricacies of the aviation industry, the underlying passion driving my learning continues to grow stronger.
How did you first get involved in the local aviation scene?
My first introduction to Vancouver’s aviation scene happened during my time as a student at UBC. I randomly bumped into the UBC Aviation Club’s booth at a university networking event and struck up a conversation with then-president Adnan Valdes. My involvement in the club led me to several other experiences, such as joining the BC Aviation Council’s Youth Engagement Committee in 2016 and hosting the Waypoint Aviation Connections events beginning in 2017. I owe many of these early experiences to Adnan and the other Aviation Club executives who went out of their way to introduce me to their contacts in the local aviation community.
What made you want to work as an analyst?
I have always had a knack for numbers, as well as a strong interest in transportation and geography. While studying finance at UBC, I was introduced to the world of analytics-based decision making and saw a range of possible applications in the aviation industry. With the help of my career advisor at university, I researched possible roles where I could apply my interests and data analytics stood out as the best way forward.
What do you do at your job on a day-to-day basis?
Most of my work these days is focused on airline network planning and air service development. I work as part of a team that analyzes air traffic data to determine whether a proposed new route makes financial and operational sense for a carrier. In essence, we assist airlines in their decision-making surrounding the deployment of their aircraft.
We use a range of external and self-developed tools to forecast how many people would fly the route and how much they will pay, then contrast that with the cost of operating the flight. This result is then compared with other alternative uses of the aircraft before a final decision is made. The whole process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years in some cases.
Favourite flying memory?
Last summer I had the chance to sit in the right seat of a 50+ year old De Havilland Beaver on my way to the Sunshine Coast. The combination of the radial engine and stunning views made for an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend snagging one of their cheaper fares for a truly outstanding flight.
Favourite aircraft/airline?
I have many favourites – each for different reasons. However, if I had to pick just one, I would choose the A220. Its innovative features and unmatched economics make it a favourite from both a passenger’s and an operator’s perspective.
What would you do in life if you didn’t work in the aviation industry?
I am also interested in various modes of surface transportation in addition to aviation. If I wasn’t working in the industry, I would probably work for a public transport agency or a logistics firm of some sort.
Why did you join the Youth Engagement Committee?
Many of my initial connections in the local aviation industry came via other students and young professionals. These people were willing to spend their own free time creating opportunities for newcomers like myself to learn about possible careers in aviation. I wanted to find a structured way to pay this forward, and the BCAC’s Youth Engagement Committee proved to be a great fit. Since joining in 2016, I have been able to work with our team to help organize dozens of events to bring students and professionals together.
Any advice for students looking to get involved in the local aviation industry?
If you are still a student and you already have a good idea of what you would like to do after you graduate, you are already miles ahead of many of your peers – don’t let that go to waste.
Take the time to attend career-oriented events in your area and don’t hesitate to reach out to members of the industry with any questions you might have. You might be intimidated at first… I know I was. However, in my experience you will find that most people are eager to share their knowledge and provide you with advice. If there is anything I might be able to help with, feel free to shoot me a message on LinkedIn!
