Turkey's airline industry is preparing for major expansion this summer following changes in the country's aviation regulations. The changes have already resulted in the creation of three new carriers, and more are expected to follow.
The revised Turkish civil aviation law permits a new airline to start with a single Stage 3 aircraft in its fleet, provided a second machine is in service within a year. Previously, airlines were required to have a minimum of three aircraft to start flying.
The three new airlines that have already been formed - Atlas International, Free Bird and Sky Airlines - will all be operating in time for this summer season. If the season is successful more start-ups are expected, although observers caution that Turkey has seen two charter airlines fold in the last two years.
Atlas will begin flying on 1 June using two ex-LTU Boeing757-200s based in Antalya and one ex-Air Berlin 737-400 in Istanbul. It will operate the bulk of its services for German tour operator Öger Tours.
Free Bird has been formed by established Turkish aviation firm Gozen, and has received the first two of three Boeing MD-83s it isto operate. The airline is to concentrate on connecting Turkish holiday resorts with Northern European destinations. Altnaya-based Kayi Tur, which set up GTI Airlines, has created Sky Airlines. GTI now operates under new ownership as Air Anatolia. Sky has taken delivery of its first 737-400, and plans to receive four more aircraft by the end of the summer season.
National carrier THY is undertaking a fleet reduction following Turkey's recent economic turmoil. Six Airbus A310-200s have been sold to Iran Air, while the airline is considering not renewing leases on some of its Boeing 737-400/ 500s and Avro RJs. A number of domestic and international flights may also be dropped owing to poor demand.
Source: Flight International
