Agnieszka Byrt
Agnieszka Byrt – Graduate of the Poznań University of Economics and Business (International Economic and Political Relations, specialization: European Studies) and Aalborg University.
Aviation and Air Traffic Management expert with over 20 years of experience in European aviation policy, strategic planning and international cooperation.
She began her career at the Office of the Committee for European Integration (UKIE), working on economic, legal and social aspects of Poland’s EU accession. Then, at the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA), she and her team developed the agency’s strategy and performance management framework, strengthening planning processes in line with European requirements. For many years, she represented PANSA in Brussels, fostering cooperation with international stakeholders and enhancing Poland’s position at the European and global levels.
She currently works at EUROCONTROL and the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking supporting the acceleration of technological modernization of air traffic management in Europe through research and innovation. She specializes in the performance management and the implementation of European legislation underpinning the Single European Sky.
1. The most pivotal moment in your career?
There are two pivotal moments in my career. The first one was joining the Office of the Committee for European Integration before Poland’s accession to the European Union. This decision shaped my professional path for the next 20+ years.
The second was joining the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency in 2007, which gave me in-depth knowledge of Air Traffic Management (ATM) and allowed me to contribute to European initiatives such as the Single European Sky. This step helped me to boost and continue my professional career within the ATM international environment.
2. Your greatest professional achievement
I consider my greatest achievement to be my involvement in the Poland’s EU accession preparations, particularly in conducting cost-benefit analysis of joining the EU from different perspectives (e.g. students, farmers, small and medium companies, etc.). The culmination of this work was the positive outcome of the referendum and the historic EU accession on the 1st of May 2004. This work gave me not only unique experience, but also a strong sense of having a real impact on the country’s future.
Since then, I have worked on major European aviation initiatives, including the Single European Sky legislation and the European ATM Master Plan – a roadmap for modernizing Europe’s air traffic management system through collaboration between industry, operational and public stakeholders.
3. If you could go back to the beginning, but with all the knowledge and experience you’ve gained, what would you do differently?
I would have invested more in personal development, dedicated more time to learn French, attended more thematic courses and events. I would have also focused more on building relationships and networks. Only over time did I realize how “small the world is” and how important are the people we meet along the way.
4. Your formula for success. How to achieve it? What to focus on? What to avoid? Which skills gained during your studies at PUEB proved most valuable?
Success, in my view, is a mix of solid academic background, practical experience and passion about what you do.
What to focus on: Build strong analytical skills, remain curious, ask questions, work in teams, have positive attitude.
What to avoid: Do not work in silos – collaboration and dialogue are essential. Do not be afraid of not knowing everything – ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from others.
My studies at PUEB gave me a solid foundation in economics, management, and international cooperation with the focus on European Union. Thanks to the University I gained the ability of critical and analytical thinking. I was also given an opportunity to study abroad thanks to the Erasmus programme, which was a great privilege at the time when I was a student.
I consider that the profound knowledge of EU legislation and policies proved crucial in my professional work at both national and European levels.
5. What advice would you give to current students at the beginning of their careers?
- Learn continuously
- Gain international experience through exchange programs, internships or students organisations
- Build networks and relationships
- Be open minded
- Limit social media use, don’t believe everything you read, rely on credible sources, verify and analyse
- Put in more effort early – it will make your future easier
- Believe in what you do and enjoy