Turkish operator BBN Airlines is seeking authorisation to open both passenger and cargo services to US destinations.
BBN initially aims to start cargo and passenger charter operations but expand to scheduled services in both sectors.
The carrier uses the main Istanbul airport for cargo flights, and the secondary Sabiha Gokcen airport, as well as Antalya, for passenger operations.
BBN has nine aircraft including seven passenger jets – five Airbus A321s and two A320s – and a pair of converted A321 freighters.
All the aircraft are leased except a single owned A320.
BBN has filed a request for authorisation with the US Department of Transportation, claiming its proposal will increase choice and enhance competition in the US-Turkish market.
The carrier was founded in 2021 and started operations in March last year, specialising in wet-lease and charters.
It is 51%-owned by an Irish-based vehicle, Barbas Invest, in turn owned by Turkish citizen Umit Baskirt, while the 49% balance is held by investment entities ultimately controlled by Lithuanian interests.
