Tuzla Alexandru Podgoreanu Airport History – in WORDS
An over half century history is built on the passion for aviation of people who worked here.
REGIONAL AIR SERVICES carries on the values of a prestigious institution, which marked the destiny of Romanian aviation: the Aviasan station, subsequently, the Tuzla airbase.
With respect for those who worked in those years on Tuzla airbase, we remember its history – before REGIONAL AIR SERVICES takeover.
1958
Under LARES patronage, the first Aviasan station (with one hangar and annexes) is established at Constanta, on Palas airfield.
The first commander of the newly created aviation unit is cdr. Petrescu, who holds this position until 1962.
1962
Podgoreanu Alexandru
Mr. Podgoreanu Alexandru, a former military pilot (Stukas), came from the Sport Aviation School in Galati, is appointed as a commander.
1966
Aviasan unit gets an independent status
Between 1966 and 1967, due to high demands, the Aviasan unit gets an independent status. The crew team consists of pilots like Podgoreanu Alexandru, Lupu Alexandru and Petcu Vasile, the technical department – of Irina Neculai, Bogos Costache and Matei Mihai, traffic dispatchers – Toma Nicolae and Munteanu Iosif, and whether department operators – Ranga Eugen and Ranga Ioana, and as medical stuff – Dumitru Magda and Matei Maricica.
In 1967, the aircraft fleet consists of two IAR-813 (YR-IDC and YR-IDD), two IAR-817 (YR-ASA and YR-ASD), an IAR-818 (YR-AVC), a Fiesler (YR-MSI), a MR-2 (YR-MRH) and an AERO-45 (YR-PSF).
Aviasan airbase is disposed
In 1966 autumn, Palas Aviasan airbase is disposed in favour of extending Constanta, and the Techerghiol lake shore is used as temporary flight strip. The planes are moved to Calarasi (sport aviation) and Bucharest.
1967
Unit moves on to a new airfield, at Tuzla
In the spring of ’67, the unit moves on to a new airfield, at Tuzla, where, on 27th of March 1967, the first flight mission takes place.
This year about 1600 flight hours are made for transport missions (sick passengers, biological material, and medical specialists) and in surveillance flights for agriculture – with specialists onboard.
Albu Ion, Vartanesian Michael – nurse and the traffic dispatcher Atanasiu Elena joint the Aviasan team.
1968
New fleet
The Fiesler is quashed and the two IAR-813 from the aircraft fleet; and IAR-818 (YR-SCS) is brought. With the new fleet about 1800 flight hours are made.
1970
First agricultural flight missions
This year are performed the first agricultural flight missions with IAR-818.
1971
First SuperAero-45
First SuperAero-45, registered YR-SAF, appears.
1973
First Allouette-III helicopter
The first Allouette-III helicopter, registered YR-ELC, is brought..1974
Tuzla airbase is established
On 1st of OCtober 1974 Tuzla airbase is established. The aircraft fleet consists in: ten AN2 (YR-ANM, ANI, ANN, ANF, ANA, ANJ, APR, ANE, s.a.), an Allouette III, two IAR-818 and an SuperAero45. The fuel storage building, composed of a four aboveground tanks – with a total capacity of 600.000 litters – is built.
This year, Mr. Tarlea Alexandru is appointed Commander and the airbase management is divided into two detachments: “Utilitarian Aviation” – cdt. det. Lupu Alexandru and “Aviasan” – cdt. det. Podgorenu Alexandru.
In the new formula, ten pilots, including: Firanescu V, Ariton D, Necula I, Cirstoiu T, Munteanu Gh, Negrea I, Andronache A., etc. are sent for the agrucultural aviation missions, and, along with eleven co-pilots from 1974 graduates generation – Panait V, Mihaltu A, Petcu C, Nastase Gh, Iancovici M, Popescu C, Stanescu C, Trupina C, Popa I, Baraitaru I, Tiganus I, formed utilitarian aviation crew detachment. In the Aviasan detachments worked three pilots: Podgoreanu A., Calota G and Paraschiv N.
The technical department, led by Botezatu V., comprised about 45 mechanics.
1975
Podgoreanu Alexandru is appointed as airbase commander
In 1975 In 1975, Mr. Podgoreanu A. Is appointed as airbase commander, with two deputy commanders for squads – Lupu A. and Ariton D.
Cristescu C. and Ene G.
Also, in 1975 two interns engineers: Cristescu C. and Ene G. are hired.
1976
Lupu A. is appointed as airbase commander
Between 1976-1982, the airbase is led by Mr. Lupu A.
1982
Aviasan is abolished
Aviasan is abolished in February 1982.
The structure that withstands Aviasanului is led by:
» Airbase commander Petcu C. – 1983-1989 (August)
» Cdt. Cosmoiu M. – August 1989 – January 1990
» Cdt. Ionita I. – January 1990 – August 1991
» Cdt. Alexandru C. – August 1991 – June 1999
1999
The airport is bought by REGIONAL AIR SERVICES
Since June 1999, the airport is bought by REGIONAL AIR SERVICES..
2015
Final decision of the Court against libellous charges brought to Tuzla Airport
Final decision of the Court against libellous charges brought to Tuzla Airport (MORE)
2016
Alexandru Podgoreanu Tuzla Airport – 2nd place in Romania after Otopeni, as number of aircraft movements in 2016
Alexandru Podgoreanu Tuzla Airport – 2nd place in Romania after Otopeni, as number of aircraft movements in 2016, according to Romanian Airports Association
July 2016
At Tuzla is released the first professional integrated (air and naval) search and rescue service in Romania
The first private aerobatic school in Romania is launched at Tuzla Airport
1 decade anniversary edition of Aeromania airshow
2017
Jubilee – Tuzla International Airport celebrates 50 years from the first flight accomplished by the AVIASAN pilots
27th of March 2017
Jubilee – Tuzla International Airport celebrates 50 years from the first flight accomplished by the AVIASAN pilots, on March 27, 1967 and is named after Alexandru Podgoreanu100 years anniversary Tudor Greceanu
13th of May 2017
100 years anniversary Tudor Greceanu – Tuzla Flight School is named after Tudor Greceanu2020
Modernization and development of Tuzla Airport infrastructure (POIM 2014-2020)
2023
Conformity of Tuzla Airport, Constanța
To the operational requirements of airport safety and security (POIM 2014-2020)2024
Host for AirSchengen Romania-Bulgaria
February 27, 2024
Official presentation of Alexandru Podgoreanu International Airport, Tuzla – completely modernized.At Tuzla, we celebrate “REGIONAL AIR SERVICES DAY” during the week with 17th of December. .
For not forgetting the past and the present.