Interview by Chryso Tziampazi

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What did you study, and how did your career path lead you to your current role as Head of Marketing at Cyprus Airways?

My career has been anything but linear—intentionally so. I studied Graphic Design and Studio Art in the U.S., then pursued an MBA in Design, Fashion, and Luxury Goods at Bologna Business School in Italy, which became a defining chapter of my professional DNA.

I’ve had the privilege of working across the cultural and commercial spectrum: from heading marketing for Diesel in Italy and managing projects in the high fashion world—including working with Naomi Campbell on Fashion for Relief—to curating campaigns for luxury brands and global exhibitions. Along the way, I – with the team- earned 25 Lion Awards, including a Grand Prix, which still reminds me that bold, human ideas matter.

Cyprus Airways offered the perfect next challenge: a national brand with global ambition, at a turning point. I was drawn to the opportunity not only to reshape its image but to drive strategic marketing rooted in data, creativity, and cultural relevance.

You have been in the airline marketing industry for several years. What inspired you to stay in this sector, and what keeps you motivated?

Airlines are a living, breathing brand. They don’t just sell tickets—they connect lives, fuel economies, and project national identity. What keeps me inspired is the emotional and symbolic power of aviation: it's about trust, pride, and aspiration.

At Cyprus Airways, we’re not just marketing flights. We’re telling a story about a redefined Cyprus, one route at a time. The stakes are high, and so is the reward. It’s a rare mix of strategic complexity, human emotion, and cultural diplomacy—all things I find endlessly energizing.

Operating in a “market” like Cyprus presents unique challenges. What are the biggest obstacles Cyprus Airways faces, and how do you overcome them?
Cyprus is a beautiful contradiction: geographically strategic, yet logistically isolated. Being an island means higher costs for fuel, supplies, and operations. We also face restricted airspace over Turkey, which forces us into longer, costlier routes.

But challenge breeds creativity. We’ve overcome these hurdles by embracing fleet efficiency, precision marketing, and strategic partnerships. We focus on quality over volume, offering a premium leisure experience that resonates with both locals and inbound travelers. Agility is our superpower—and we apply it across every facet of the business.

Competition in the airline industry is intense. What differentiates Cyprus Airways from other carriers operating in the region?

We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re focused on being the best in our category. Cyprus Airways is a premium leisure airline. That means a modern, efficient fleet, a standout business class product, and hospitality that’s authentically Cypriot but globally competitive.

We’ve redefined the brand from the inside out: from elevating onboard experience to building an emotional connection with our passengers. We aren’t a low-cost alternative. We are the preferred choice for those who value comfort, reliability, and national pride wrapped in a contemporary travel experience.

Sustainability and environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important in aviation. How is Cyprus Airways addressing these issues in its operations and marketing approach?

Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox—it’s an evolving responsibility. We’re taking active steps through our fleet modernization strategy, starting with the addition of the Airbus A220, one of the most efficient aircraft in its class. It significantly reduces emissions per seat while enhancing passenger comfort.

On the ground, we’ve implemented waste reduction programs, in-flight recycling, and are phasing out single-use plastics. Our marketing reflects this commitment with transparency and clarity. We're not greenwashing; we’re taking measurable action and keeping ourselves accountable.

With the upcoming season approaching, does Cyprus Airways have any new routes, services, or innovations planned for passengers?

Yes—2025 is a strategic year for us. We’re focusing on stabilizing and strengthening our offering before scaling further in 2026. A new A220 aircraft is being added to the fleet, improving our network reliability and passenger experience.

We’re also refining our seasonal offering, bringing back popular routes like Paris and Milan, and optimizing our schedule to support early summer traffic with campaigns like May Escapes. Innovations aren’t just technical—they're also experiential. From enhanced onboard menus to partnerships with cultural institutions, we’re curating an airline that’s modern, memorable, and unmistakably Cypriot.