structural development

readers of Saxon newspaper will be our newest "Manager transfer" not escaped be: Uwe Garack, project manager in the municipal team, has been the new managing director of the since the beginning of the year Rothenburg airfield, in short: VLP. A win for the airfield and for Rothenburg!

Of course, we couldn't miss the opportunity to have a detailed conversation with this exceptional Lusatia native - read the background and details here and get to know Uwe Garack, a strong doer from the priceless country, up close .

Uwe, you have been the managing director of the VLP Rothenburg since January 1, 2023 - in addition to your work as a structural developer in the municipal team of the ENO. How did that happen?

Shortly after I started working as a project manager for structural change at ENO, I came to Rothenburg Airport to support the “aircraft recycling” pilot project. As a Rothenburg resident, the history of the airfield is still with me - the MIGs are still in my ears and eyes. So my interest was quickly aroused and I was able to familiarize myself with the operative business. It quickly became clear that there was a lot to do and that the property "Flugplatz Rothenburg" had enormous development potential, also in the context of structural change in Lusatia. The path to managing director was the consequence of current developments.

Do you already have plans or ideas that are ready to be announced that you will pursue as managing director?

The tasks and goals anchored in the statutes still apply: maintaining the flight operations areas and ensuring flight operations at the Görlitz and Rothenburg airports as well as commercial development at the locations. The 2018 feasibility study is still valid today. The aim was to attract aviation-related companies and companies from the circular economy while at the same time preserving the Rothenburg airfield. In addition, the development of a CO2-neutral commercial area in Rothenburg top priority. This will be a prerequisite for future commercial settlements.

Which companions do you have at your side for the many upcoming tasks?

I can rely on an experienced team. The employees are passionate and very committed to the cause. In addition, my colleagues from the ENO actively support me. But the clubs in Görlitz and Rothenburg also traditionally support society in its projects.

Zweckverband Flugplatzverwaltung and the supervisory boards is also important to me We can only work successfully if we work together.

(Image rights: VLP Rothenburg)

There are many exciting developments at the VLP - and of course we know that structural development takes time. You've already started a lot of great things with Thomas Rublack and the ENO: the development of a CO2-neutral industrial park, for example, what's the status there?

That's true, but the roots lie deeper. As already mentioned, this was already part of the feasibility study. Due to the current development of energy policy, the project is gaining momentum and priority. The city of Rothenburg is currently developing a development plan for the area as a legal basis for construction investments. The partners of the CO2-free supply are already indicated. Talks have already been held with potential investors. So I'm very optimistic about the future.

You are also the second deputy mayor and city councilor in Rothenburg, a family man, active in the male choir and in the LEADER region of eastern Upper Lusatia - how do you balance all of that? Not guaranteed without passion...

I sometimes ask myself that. It doesn't work without the support of the family and a strong organizational talent. It is important that the tasks are approached with passion and joy and are not seen as a burden. And sometimes you have to take it easy and recharge your batteries.

Good keyword: love of home. What do you wish for Upper Lusatia, what for Rothenburg in the course of the coal phase-out?

A bouquet of colorful flowers. Lots of green like our wonderful landscape and nature, natural pastel tones for the distinctive and diverse craftsmen, bright colors for new industrial companies with sustainable technologies and jobs and red roses, for satisfied citizens who are close to their homeland .

Where do you see the VLP / Lausitz in 10 years?

As a commercial area with an airport.

And where do you see yourself then?

As an experienced contact and driver of structural change in the Saxon Lausitz. And of course as managing director of Flugplatz Rothenburg/Görlitz GmbH.

Good luck in all your ways! And we wish you and Rothenburg every success!

Best regards

Your

Yasna