Katrin Mayrhofer is a highly experienced aerospace executive and innovator with over 30 years business experience and almost 20 years advancing complex aerospace projects, international collaborations, and sustainable development. As COO and Co-Founder of ELSA Industry, Katrin brings a unique combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and a passion for inclusion and sustainability in aviation.

Her leadership in landmark projects such as CityAirbus, Bluecopter, and the RACER rotorcraft program highlights her ability to deliver innovative and large-scale aerospace solutions while managing multifaceted teams and stakeholders across borders.

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        Core Expertise

• Aerospace Project Management & Technical Execution

• Advanced Air Mobility & Sustainable Transportation Solutions

• Cross-Border Research, Innovation & Industry Partnerships

• Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Gender Equality & Diversity Advocacy in Aerospace

• Multilingual: German (native), English (full professional), French & Romanian (elementary)
  
  Professional Highlights

• Led the technical planning and execution of the main fuselage for the groundbreaking RACER project, a milestone in innovative rotorcraft development.

• Key contributor to major European CleanSky initiatives such as CityAirbus and Bluecopter, enhancing cross-border R&D cooperation.

• Serves on boards and advisory committees including the European Rotorcraft Women Network and One Billion Farmers, driving diversity and sustainable business practices.

• Promotes advanced air mobility as a former Chair and Liaison at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, fostering access, inclusion, and international partnership.

• Katrin Mayrhofer’s consultancy brings unmatched aerospace expertise paired with a passion for empowering sustainable, inclusive innovation. Her proven track record as a leader, communicator, and advocate ensures that clients achieve visionary goals with real-world impact.
  
  Key Roles & Contributions

• COO & Co-Founder, ELSA Industry: Driving innovation and sustainability in aerospace manufacturing and composite prototyping.

• Romanian Country Liaison, Advanced Air Mobility Institute, Boston: Fostering international collaboration and sustainable air mobility projects bridging Romania to global initiatives.

• Ambassador, Castillia: Representing and promoting the vision and mission of Castillia, strengthening partnerships and outreach.

• Board Member & Advocate, European Rotorcraft Women Network & One Billion Farmers: Supporting inclusion and sustainability in rotorcraft and agricultural ecosystems.

• Patron & Jury Member, European Rotors Student Challenge Rotorthon: Encouraging emerging talent in rotorcraft innovation and education.
  
  Publications & Thought Leadership

• Katrin authored Inclusive Sky, a pioneering book urging the aviation industry to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusive innovation. She explores meaningful questions about access to air mobility and power structures shaping the future of flight.

• Her insights are regularly sought for industry articles and conferences covering innovative manufacturing, sustainable aerospace, and inclusive policy-making.
  
  Awards, Nominations & Industry Recognition

• Finalist Nomination for the Climate Change Award Summit 2025

• Multiple nominations recognizing leadership in sustainable aerospace development and gender equality advocacy.

• Recognized patron and jury member for European industry student competitions.

• Esteemed facilitator and speaker at international aerospace events, panels, and workshops.
  
  Speaking & Moderation

• Katrin is an experienced keynote speaker and moderator, specializing in topics including:

• The future of advanced air mobility and sustainable aviation

• Gender diversity and inclusion in STEM and aerospace sectors

• Leadership in managing complex aerospace research projects

• Promoting industry-academia collaboration and international partnerships

• She skillfully engages diverse audiences, from technical experts to policy makers and students, bringing clarity, inspiration, and actionable insights.
  
  Why Partner with Katrin Mayrhofer?
  Choosing Katrin as a consultant means securing a partner with:

• Proven project delivery in cutting-edge aerospace initiatives

• Rich network of international aerospace leaders and innovators

• Deep commitment to sustainable and equitable technology solutions

• Versatile expertise spanning technical, managerial, and communicative domains

• Strong mentoring focus fostering new talent and inclusive culture

• Katrin Mayrhofer is uniquely positioned to support aerospace firms, research consortia, startups, and public agencies in navigating the evolving landscape of civil aviation and advanced mobility with sustainable, impactful strategies.