Our Experts
M. Zahid Mahmood
Chairman Board of Directors
M. Zahid Mahmood stands at the forefront of the industry’s transformation. His expertise bridges technology, policy, and leadership, driving the global mission toward zero-emission aviation and next-generation air mobility solutions. Elite Credentials, Unmatched Expertise
- BS Avionics Engineering – Mastery of aircraft systems & avionic technologies
- MS Aviation Sustainability – Architect of eco-friendly aviation strategies
- ICAO-Certified CORSIA Verifier – Leading carbon offsetting for global aviation compliance
- ICAO Course Developer – Shaping the future of aviation training & standards
- ICAO Aviation Liability & Insurance Specialist – Mitigating risk in a dynamic industry
- PMP® (Project Management Professional) – Delivering excellence in complex aviation projects
- EASA Part 147 Training Management Post Holder – Ensuring world-class aviation maintenance training.
CEO – ECOGIVERS UAE
Spearheading the charge toward ICAO’s Zero Emissions mandate, ECOGIVERS is revolutionizing
aviation through Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), carbon-neutral technologies, and disruptive engine airframe innovations. Under Zahid’s leadership, the company is a catalyst for green aviation transformation.
CEO – Institute of Sustainable & Advanced Air Mobility (ISAAM) UAE
At ISAAM, Zahid is future-proofing the aviation workforce, equipping professionals with the skills to master eVTOLs, drone ecosystems, hydrogen-powered flight, and smart air traffic solutions. This is where tomorrow’s aviation pioneers are born.
Director – Eyrie Aero
Eyrie Aero is not just an organization—it’s a launchpad for aviation excellence. Zahid’s strategic direction ensures Eyrie remains at the vanguard of training, regulatory innovation, and sustainable aviation practices, shaping the industry’s brightest minds.
Manager – EASA Part 147
Ensuring gold-standard compliance and training excellence, Zahid oversees aviation maintenance programs that set benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and technological advancement.
Katrin Mayrhofer
Director PR & Communications Co Founder
Katrin’s technical and mathematical educational background and her extensive experience in the aviation and
aerospace sectors has significantly advanced expertise in aerospace research and development in various Key
Roles and Responsibilities:
Airbus Helicopters:
Worked in strategic procurement and the airplane door systems department.
-Contributed to the research and innovation department on projects including the CityAirbus electric air
taxi, Bluecopter (Green Rotorcraft in CleanSky1), and RACER (CleanSky2).
INCAS:
-Served as Technical Program Manager for RACER, overseeing planning, monitoring, and coordination
of technical tasks.
-Implemented KANBAN and in parallel HO manufacturing and assembly for the Romanian Consortium.
-Managed Project Management Static Airframe Test Articles, including static testing of the main fuselage.
-Held roles as IPT Member RACER, IFAR Point of Contact (PoC) for Helicopters in Romania, PoC in
Romania for the Vertical Flight Society, and EREA Rotorcraft Network PoC in INCAS.
RACER:
Managed by Katrin for the Romanian Consortium with the Coordinator AIRBUS, the RACER Project aimed to
complete a fuselage demonstrator through collaboration with 40 European partners in 13 countries for a Rapid and Cost-Efficient Rotorcraft.
Key Achievements:
-Completion of RACER Fuselage Demonstrator: -Successfully developed and assembled,
showcasing the team’s technical capabilities and innovative solutions.
-Project Management: Under Katrin’s leadership, the project was completed on time and within
scope. Her expertise in coordinating technical planning, design, stress analysis, manufacturing,
assembly, and testing was crucial.
-International Collaboration:
Involved multiple European research initiatives, fostering a global network of experts and organizations
dedicated to advancing aerospace technology.
-Technical Planning and Assembly: The team managed complex projects through meticulous planning
(with almost 400 interfaces at the airframe) and execution, highlighting their technical prowess.
Other Projects: As part of broader European initiatives, including FITCoW and ELADINE.
Katrin’s leadership and expertise were pivotal to the success of the RACER Project, exemplifying international collaboration, meticulous planning, and innovative problem-solving in the aerospace sector. Her diverse skill set and dedication are further highlighted by her roles in international research projects, commitment to gender equality, and involvement in sustainable practices.
-Experience at GroupEAD : As CEO Assistant, Katrin contributed to GroupEAD, a unique AIM and navigation service provider operating the European AIS Database (EAD) on behalf of Eurocontrol since 2003. The
company specializes in aeronautical data management and the evolution from Aeronautical Information
Services (AIS) to Aeronautical Information Management (AIM). Her experience underscores her ability to
manage complex projects and drive innovation in aeronautical data management. Her experience exposed
her to cross-national and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
-Involvement in Advanced Air Mobility:
AAM Institute: Former Chairwoman of the Board of Global Liaisons and she is still active as Country
Liaison for Romania, focusing on innovative advanced air mobility solutions. Promotes enhanced transportation efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased accessibility, safety, dignity, and public awareness.
Commitment to Gender Equality and Sustainability and Next Generation:
-European Rotorcraft Women Network: Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member, advocating for gender
equality in the helicopter industry.
-One Billion Farmers Organization (Circularity Global): Board Member, supporting agricultural initiatives
and sustainable practices.
-European Rotors: Patron, Jury Member, and Sponsor of the student challenge Rotorthon.
Katrin maintains a vast network of global contacts, facilitating international collaboration and innovation.
Cristinel Patrascu
Executive Director & Co Founder
Unlocking Aerospace Innovation: Meet Cristinel Patrascu, Our Visionary CEO & Co-Founder
Cristinel is an esteemed aerospace engineer and visionary leader with a rich background in
aircraft design, systems integration,and interiors. His journey spans decades, including
pioneering projects like the Airbus A380 and A350. As the former Head of the Centre of
Design, Research & Development at S. ROMAERO S.A., Cristinel led groundbreaking
initiatives and demonstrated strategic vision and expertise in navigating complex challenges.
His commitment to sustainable aviation and proficiency in multiple languages further
underscores his ability to drive innovation and foster international collaboration and is at the
helm of ELSA Industry S.R.L., driving innovation and sustainable growth within the
competitive aerospace sector.
Comprehensive Experience in AIRBUS:
With a rich background in aircraft design, systems integration, and interiors, Cristinel
brings unparalleled expertise to thetable.
His journey spans decades, from pioneering projects like the Airbus A380 to fine-
tuning the Airbus A350. His technical acumen isunmatched.
Proven Leadership: As the former Head of the Centre of Design, Research & Development at ROMAERO S.A., Cristinel spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives with strategic vision and exceptional problem-solving abilities. His expertise and leadership qualities make him the ideal leader for ELSA. During his tenure as Head of CEDITA at Romaero, he served as the Program Manager, overseeing Tooling Design, Tooling Manufacturing, Single Part
Manufacturing, Configuration Management, and Assembly for testing articles for the RACER
project. This project, under the Joint Undertaking CleanSky2 and coordinated by AIRBUS, benefited immensely from his comprehensive management and innovative approach.
As a Production Engineer Cristinel worked on various projects in the past, including:
BAe-BAC 1-11, Britten-Norman BN-2T4S, I.A.I. “Galaxy” Jet, Pratt Whitney & Canada
Boeing 720 Test Bed, ATR 42 & 72, and AN24 & AN26 Russian aircrafts.
Approved MRB Engineer for British Aerospace BAC 1-11, Canadair CL-415, and Britten-Norman BN-2 Aircrafts.
Cristinel’s commitment to sustainable aviation aligns perfectly with ELSA’s mission. He envisions hydrogen-powered aircraft and autonomous UAVs revolutionizing the industry and
also represent ELSA as a member at the AZEA -Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation.
Global Network and Proficiency:
Cristinel Patrascu has cultivated an extensive international network throughout his career.
Fluent in English, French, and German, he effectively bridges cultures and fosters collaborations across the globe. His connections span multiple continents, enabling him to leverage diverseexpertise and drive forward-thinking solutions in aerospace.
Join us on this exciting journey as Cristinel Patrascu propels ELSA Industry S.R.L. toward new
horizons. Together, we’ll redefine the future of aerospace.
Dr Albert Arnau
Technical Director & Co Founder
With nearly a decade of immersive involvement in the aeronautics and engineering landscape, Albert brings forth a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments that resonate with innovation, expertise, and leadership.
As CTO of ELSA, Albert stands at the forefront of pioneering initiatives in engineering and composite
manufacturing, including new and sustainable materials. His extensive background in research and development, coupled with his proficiency in project management and design for manufacturing,
positions him as the ideal leader to drive technological advancements within the company.
Holding a trainer license for Composite Manufacturing in addition he can train our team internally.
Moreover, Albert holds an MBA, which equips him with a strategic mindset and business acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of the industry and capitalize on emerging opportunities. His ability to blend technical expertise with strategic vision makes him a valuable asset in steering ELSA Industry towards continued growth and innovation.
At ELSA Industry, we redefine industry standards, offering end-to-end solutions in composites, from
conceptualization to certification. Our commitment to excellence, under Albert’s leadership, drives us to deliver cutting-edge services, shaping the future of engineering landscapes.
Simultaneously, his academic journey at Politehnica University of Bucharest as a Seminar Professor in Mechanical Engineering enriches his perspective and fuels his passion for aerospace engineering.
Seven years of imparting knowledge and nurturing minds contribute to a legacy of innovation and academic excellence.
His tenure at Romaero SA Bucharest as a Research Development Engineer was marked by groundbreaking contributions to the RACER Airframe project under the European Clean Sky 2 initiative. Spearheading composite manufacturing and managing production for helicopter airframes
underscored his prowess in project management and design for manufacturing. Stepping into leadership roles at SC STRAERO SA, he directed national and international research projects, navigating complexities with finesse and foresight. His expertise in aeronautics and project management facilitated seamless execution, driving impactful outcomes.
The foundation of his career was laid at Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, where he interned in the Maintenance Department, honing his skills and understanding of aeronautics. Subsequent roles at Flight caries an Agentede Pasajerefined his acumen in customer service, organization, and problem-solving, laying the groundwork for a dynamic career trajectory.
Albert’s journey with EUROAVIA as a Project Team Leader epitomized innovation and collaboration.
Leading a team in developing can-sized satellites for international competitions showcased his ability to
drive transformative projects with precision and vision.
In essence, his profile embodies a fusion of academic rigor, industry expertise, and entrepreneurial vision. With a proven track record of success and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he is poised to lead transformative
endeavors that shape the future of aerospace engineering and beyond.
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