Turkish Airlines Chairman, Professor Ahmet Bolat, says that supply issues are constraining the industry. Interview by Graham Newton.
What will your big order of aircraft mean for the future of the airline?
Turkish Airlines’ latest aircraft order goes far beyond a mere fleet expansion. It is a bold reflection of our long-term strategic vision, underscoring our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. The addition of new-generation Boeing aircraft will significantly enhance our operational capabilities, efficiency, and environmental performance. These aircraft will not only help us meet growing passenger demand but also support our ambitious goal of operating a fleet over 800 aircraft by 2033.
The agreement also reaffirms our strong partnership with leading aircraft manufacturers and our role in advancing Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem. With greater connectivity, we aim to welcome more international travelers, promoting Türkiye’s cultural heritage and natural beauty while contributing to the growth of our tourism sector. With our unique service quality and expansive global network, Turkish Airlines will continue to lead the industry, setting new standards in efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience.
Do the supply chain issues concern you? Are you confident you will get your aircraft on time?
The current pressures on global supply chains, coupled with the surge in demand for new aircraft and engines, are affecting the entire aviation industry. Limited production slots, ongoing technical challenges, and logistical bottlenecks mean that delays in deliveries are a reality for all airlines. This is of course a concern, as timely fleet growth is critical to our long-term strategy.
That said, we are encouraged by the gradual improvements we are seeing and expect the volatility to diminish over the coming years. We are working very closely with manufacturers and partners to minimize disruptions and also exploring alternative avenues—such as optimizing our current fleet utilization, considering short-term leasing options, and prioritizing certain aircraft types where needed.
Our strong position lies in the fact that we protected our workforce during challenging times, maintained flexibility in our planning, and are supported by one of the most comprehensive hubs in the world. These strengths give us resilience and agility. Although individual timelines may shift, we are confident that our overall fleet expansion targets will remain on track and aligned with our 2033 strategy.
How difficult is it to manage a large network when the world is experiencing dynamic geopolitics that could open or shut airspace at any time?
Managing a global network in an era of shifting geopolitics is both a challenge and a responsibility. Airspace can close or open with little notice, but our duty is to ensure that global connectivity endures. We address this through agility, advanced technology, and close collaboration with governments, regulators, and industry partners. These dynamics push us to be more innovative, more resilient, and more committed to our mission.
Over the years, Turkish Airlines has built one of the most extensive networks in the world—and for good reason. The geographical position of our hub, Istanbul Airport, is a unique asset that enables us to connect the world seamlessly. Our network is composed of numerous carefully integrated and interconnected routes. Although adding new routes enhances both the scale and quality of this network, the removal of certain routes does not compromise the resilience or integrity of the overall structure.
Is the industry resilient enough in the face of these shocks – especially cyber incidents?
Aviation has always proven resilient, guided by strict international standards that helped us adapt through crises from conflicts to pandemics. Airspace closures are disruptive, but strong network carriers can adjust quickly, minimize missed connections, and regain efficiencies once routes reopen.
Cybersecurity is now the newest and most serious test. As aviation becomes more digital, incidents are inevitable—the real measure is how we respond. Like a boxer in the ring, it’s not about avoiding every hit, but staying on your feet, keeping operations running, and maintaining safety.
At Turkish Airlines, we go beyond compliance by investing in proactive defenses, working with partners like IATA and STAR Alliance, and aligning with regulations such as EASA’s new Part-IS. These steps make cybersecurity a core part of resilience. Aviation has always adapted, and I am confident we will continue to keep the skies open and secure.
What other challenges might restrict the growth of your airline and the industry?
The biggest brake on growth today is supply. OEM production rates, engine turnaround times, and parts availability remain tight, which slows deliveries even as demand stays strong. We mitigate this with flexible fleet planning, leases, and multi-vendor sourcing, but it remains a constraint.
Infrastructure and sustainability are also key challenges. Airport capacity, slot access, and air traffic control staffing can limit frequency growth, while sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) costs, emissions rules, and noise regulations add planning complexity. Finally, fuel prices, financing costs, and foreign exchange volatility can pressure margins. Through disciplined capital allocation, strong revenue management, and efficiency measures, we ensure that growth remains prudent, and the customer experience is protected.
How important is the airport to your strategy and how closely do you work together?
Istanbul Airport is an important part of our 2033 vision. For us, it is not only an operational hub but also the cornerstone of our plan to reach 813 aircraft and 171 million passengers annually by our 100th anniversary. Its scale eliminates the traditional constraints of hub airports while its unique geography allows us to channel high-frequency feeder traffic from narrow-bodies into our wide-body network across six continents. This advantage directly shapes our fleet and growth strategies, which already exceed the industry average.
Another advantage is the Triple Runway Operations system—Europe’s first—which increased hourly movement capacity from 120 to 148, enabling sustainable growth without bottlenecks.
Is cargo gaining in importance and what needs to be done to modernize the cargo sector?
Cargo has become a true strategic pillar for airlines. The pandemic showed its critical role in supply chains, and today e-commerce, high-value goods, and time-critical shipments continue to expand its importance.
Modernization requires a holistic approach—smart terminals, stronger intermodal links, and full digitalization across booking, capacity, documentation, and payments. Industry standards like IATA’s ONE Record will ensure seamless data exchange, while artificial intelligence (AI) will transform forecasting, pricing, and routing to make cargo faster and more efficient.
With Turkish Cargo strengthening its position as one of the top three air cargo brands around the globe, we believe it will also provide a framework for the industry as a whole.
Can we make the industry net-zero by 2050 and what are the biggest sustainability challenges?
Net zero by 2050 is ambitious but achievable if the industry acts with urgency and partnership. At Turkish Airlines, we are committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, centered on five pillars: next-generation aircraft, SAF, renewable energy, carbon offsetting, and operational efficiency.
SAF is the most immediate lever, expected to deliver around 65% of emission reductions, but supply covers less than 1% of global demand and costs remain four to five times higher than conventional fuel. This gap is the biggest challenge, alongside the need for new propulsion technologies and supportive infrastructure.
We are addressing this through long-term SAF offtake agreements, investments, and partnerships with local and international initiatives. But real progress depends on coordinated support—governments, regulators, and financing all working together. With that collaboration, aviation can reach its 2050 target while continuing to connect the world responsibly.
Is artificial intelligence a game-changer? Where will it have its greatest impact?
AI is already transforming aviation. It enhances safety, improves reliability, and elevates the passenger journey, making it a true catalyst for operational excellence and customer satisfaction at Turkish Airlines.
Our Apron AI project illustrates this well: by monitoring every step of a turnaround with advanced image processing, we can detect delays, optimize resources, and bring full transparency to ground operations. Beyond that, AI powers predictive tools for delay forecasting, catering stock estimation, and crew scheduling—making our operations more resilient.
On the commercial side, AI supports dynamic pricing for upgrades and seat selection, while TK Asistan, our digital assistant, personalizes the passenger experience. Looking ahead, robotics and autonomous systems will further boost efficiency…
