On the Ramp in Krakow with Marcin Zak

Marcin Zak, Euro Jet’s Country Manager for Poland, provides an inside look at business aviation in one of Europe’s most dynamic regions. From coordinating operations at Poland’s busiest airports to managing a team of ground support professionals, Marcin ensures seamless service across the country. We discuss the wide range of flights his team handles, from military to private flights for high-profile events such as the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. He also shares insights into the unique challenges of aviation in Poland and even reveals one of the country’s unusual culinary dishes.

Marcin, as Country Manager for Poland, what aspects of your job bring you the most satisfaction?

I enjoy the dynamic nature of aviation and the problem-solving it requires. No two days are the same, and I thrive on the challenge of ensuring smooth operations across multiple locations. I also appreciate working with my team, as collaboration is essential in this industry.

I also take great pleasure in meeting private flights and personally welcoming their passengers to my country.

What first sparked your interest in aviation? How did you get started at Euro Jet?

When I graduated with a Master of Arts in Geography from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland was experiencing economic uncertainty and unemployment was high. Along with some friends, I decided to move to Scotland, where I began working in a renowned restaurant kitchen. I started by peeling potatoes and worked my way up to chef.

My interest in aviation began when I returned to Poland and secured a position at Krakow Airport with Welcome Airport Services (WAS), which is still a valued partner of Euro Jet. I initially managed the front desk, but I was more interested in ramp operations. Although I aimed to become a station manager, those roles were already filled. After about a year, I accepted a general aviation role with an American partner. What began as a few flights per month quickly expanded, reflecting the overall growth of Poland’s aviation sector. As business aviation in Poland grew, Euro Jet took notice, and my reputation caught their attention.

Now you lead Euro Jet’s operation in Poland. How would you describe your team? How many people are involved?

My team is continuously expanding, and we are actively seeking more talent. Currently, we have eight agents across Poland. In Rzeszow (EPRZ / RZE), one of our busiest and most critical locations, we have three Ground Services Coordinators. Kacper Pietrzak, Krzysztof Pokrywka, and Krzysztof Borowiak coordinate steady military flight traffic in Rzeszow.

In the Pomerania region, which lies along the Baltic Sea coast, we are supported by Paula Kolibska in Szczecin (EPSC / SZZ) and Natalia Kowalska in Gdansk (EPGD / GDN). Both have extensive experience at their respective airports.

Adrian Wilczek oversees operations in Warsaw (EPWA / WAW and EPMO/WMI) and manages the satellite airports in Lodz (EPLL / LCJ) and Radom (EPRA / RDO). And Pawel Foltak is based in Poznan (EPPO / POZ), where he effectively coordinates frequent military flights.

I am based in Krakow (EPKK / KRK) and visit Rzeszow regularly to assist with operations.

Which of those airports play the biggest role in business aviation in Poland? And how many airports are there in total?

Poland has approximately 90 operational airports, most of which are small regional facilities serving primarily domestic flights. My team covers 15 key airports, which are essential to our operations. In addition to Rzeszow, airports in Wroclaw, Poznan, Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk see the highest traffic.

What types of flights do you receive at those 15 key airports?

We coordinate a diverse range of flights, including general aviation, private and business aviation, diplomatic flights, and military operations. The types of flights vary depending on the location.

In Warsaw, for example, because of its status as the capital, most flights are private and diplomatic. We also handle significant traffic for events, such as the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz in January. Our team successfully managed 75% of the flights for the event, which involved coordinating more than 30 flights including flights to Krakow and Katowice.

Rzeszow, on the other hand, is primarily focused on military flights because of its strategic location and the impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Does your team face any challenges when servicing flights across Poland?

Poland is a large country with a well-developed network of airports, but this also presents unique challenges. While our key locations have the infrastructure and resources to handle operations smoothly, managing catering and transportation at smaller regional airports can be a challenge. Although we are fully equipped to manage these logistics across the country, coordinating services in smaller airports requires additional effort and attention to detail compared to our major hubs.

How do you collaborate with other Euro Jet departments and colleagues to ensure streamlined processes?

We maintain strong connections across all departments at Euro Jet. I am always in close contact with our Operations Control Center, as it’s crucial to respond swiftly to any incidents that occur on the ramp.

I also have regular meetings with all the Country Managers from our core region, as well as with Chief Operations Officer Tomas Chobot and Regional General Manager David Lopes.

How do you see Euro Jet’s future unfolding in Poland?

We plan to continue expanding our team to strengthen our presence at key airports. We are also focused on maintaining our high standards of service and improving our infrastructure. We have crew lounges in Warsaw and Rzeszow now, but we could add more in the future. The demand for business aviation is growing, and we are prepared to meet the increasing needs of our clients.

Marcin, as a final question, what are some must-see destinations and local dishes you would recommend for anyone visiting Poland?

Poland is full of hidden gems, but most travelers tend to focus on the major cities due to time constraints. If you have the chance, I highly recommend exploring the Pomeranian Coast, especially Gdansk, which is one of Poland's oldest cities. It is historically significant, as WWII began there with the German attack on Westerplatte, marking the first shots of the war. In addition to Gdansk, I would suggest visiting Wroclaw and Krakow.

When it comes to food, you cannot visit Poland without trying pierogi – dumplings typically filled with meat. My personal favorite is the version filled with a mix of potato, onion, and cheese. If you are here in the right season, make sure to sample our forest berries as well.

Another must-try is red borscht soup, made with beetroot. For something a bit more unusual, try zurek – a rich soup made from fermented rye starter, traditionally served with a boiled egg and a Polish sausage called kielbasa. It has a distinct taste that might be uncommon for foreign palates, but it is an essential part of Polish cuisine.

That brings us to the end of our interview. Thank you, Marcin, for sharing your insights into aviation in Poland and for giving us a glimpse into its unique culture and cuisine.

Images: Euro Jet Archive, Shutterstock