Within the scope of the Defense and Aerospace Industrial Cooperation Days (ICDDA) organized by the OSTIM Defense and Aerospace Cluster (OSSA), a session titled “The Place of SMEs in the International Aviation and Space Sector” was held at ATO Congresium.
Levent Konukcu, Deputy General Manager of Turkish Airlines (THY), stated in his speech during the session that they are conducting efforts to meet Turkey’s aircraft needs over the next 10 years. Konukcu reminded that last year they signed a contract worth around 90 billion dollars with Airbus, including engines and engine maintenance, and added, “A similar figure may come with Boeing if we reach an agreement.”
Konukcu emphasized that they are working to meet Turkey’s aircraft needs over the next 10 years, and therefore significant volumes have emerged. Konukcu said:
“These volumes have significantly multiplied the business opportunities to be offered to our country. 20 years ago, Turkey’s exports in the field of aviation structures were at almost negligible levels. However, now, out of the $5.5 billion defense and aerospace exports, perhaps more than $1 billion is provided solely through aviation structures, a new sector has emerged. We believe that Turkish Airlines’ purchases play a very important role here. As our purchasing volume increases, we believe that the investment in Turkey by companies and the parallel increase in business packages will also increase.”
source: aa.com.tr/ prepared by Melisa Beğiç