Aviation Turkey Magazine

Baykar Set to Become the New Owner of Italian Aviation Giant Piaggio Aerospace Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has approved the sale of Piaggio Aerospace, the country’s long-standing aviation business, to Baykar. Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has approved the sale of Piaggio Aerospace, the country’s aviation giant, to Baykar. The world’s largest UCAV company, Baykar outbidded rivals from multiple countries in a competitive tender for the sale of Piaggio Aerospace, which was established in 1884. The company worked with Pragma Consulting on financial valuation during the process. A 140-Year-Old Giant Piaggio Aerospace is best known in the aviation industry for producing P.180 Avanti business jets (“Ferrari of the skies”) and aircraft engines. The company also plays a strategic role in Italy’s defense industry ecosystem thanks to its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and is renowned for its contributions to Italy’s technological infrastructure over its 140-year history. “We Are Giving Piaggio a Future” Noting that the company’s relaunch was guaranteed with a clear and ambitious industrial vision, Italian Minister Adolfo Urso commented that "after six years of waiting, we are giving Piaggio Aerospace, a strategic asset for our country, a future with a long-term production perspective, safeguarding corporate complexes and workforce.” Strengthening Production Capacity With this acquisition, Baykar is set to expand its influence in the European aviation market while preserving Piaggio’s historical legacy and enhancing its production capacity. Baykar’s future vision includes growing the employment opportunities that Piaggio provides in Italy. This strategic move adds to the global successes of Türkiye’s aviation industry and ensures that Piaggio’s historical identity is carried into the future through this agreement.

En sevdiğim A400M fotosu✈️😊 Defence Turkey Magazine ASFAT sayısı için özel izinle Kayseri 2. Hava Bakım Fabrika Müdürlüğü’ne yaptığımız ziyarette Cem Doğut tarafından çekildi. Airbus Simon Ward Ozge Sevuk Topkaya Bahadır Gültekin Mustafa İLARSLAN, Ph.D.

Pegasus Airlines Makes Aviation History with Landmark Aircraft Order✈️ ⭕ Pegasus Airlines has taken a bold step in its growth journey by signing an agreement with Boeing for 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, marking the largest order in its history. Deliveries will commence in 2028, with 100 firm orders and 100 options valued at $36 billion. This historic deal aligns with Pegasus’ long-term strategy for sustainability and efficiency, supporting its 2050 net-zero goals while strengthening Türkiye’s aviation industry. As Türkiye’s airline with the youngest fleet, Pegasus aims to enhance its global footprint and open new opportunities in local manufacturing and technology transfer. ⭕️CEO Güliz Öztürk emphasized: “This investment supports our mission to lead the aviation sector while contributing to Türkiye’s tourism and economic goals. With an average fleet age of 4.5 years, we have the youngest fleet in Türkiye and are among the youngest globally. As part of our agreement with Boeing, we have ordered 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. Deliveries of the 100 firm orders will begin in 2028, while the remaining 100 options will be evaluated based on market conditions and fleet needs. Boeing aircraft have been integral to our operations since Pegasus entered the sector in 1990, and we are excited to expand our fleet with the Boeing 737-10. This collaboration will create new opportunities in local production, R&D, and employment, contributing to Türkiye’s aviation growth and export potential,” she said.” ✅ The Boeing 737-10, the largest model in the Boeing 737 MAX family, stands out in the single-aisle aircraft segment with its high efficiency for short- and medium-haul flights. Equipped with CFM International (CFM) LEAP-1B engines, it offers up to 20% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft. With a seating capacity of up to 230 passengers, the 737-10 features a spacious cabin design and large overhead bins, providing passengers with a more comfortable travel experience. These characteristics make it a valuable asset for both operators and travelers. Aysem Sargin Filiz Hayirli Tepebasi Banu Buyurgan Elena Alexandrova Femke Baudoin Emrah Asilyazici Banu K Mehmet T Nane Bogac UGURLUTEGIN Barbaros Kubatoglu Onur Dedeköylü

Plaza Premium Group Served 1 Million Passengers in 2024... Plaza Premium Group (PPG) came together with its valuable business partners, customers and stakeholders in Turkey at the New Year Event, where it welcomed 2024. In his speech, PPG Group Deputy CEO Ali Bora İşbulan, who attended the event, stated that Plaza Premium Group has entered its 4th year in Turkey and emphasized that they will serve 1 million passengers by 2024 with lounge, fast track and special passenger welcome services at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. İşbulan stated that the contribution of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport management, valuable airlines, business partners and team was great in this success. Stating that PPG operates in more than 150 countries around the world and that they aim to further strengthen their operations in Turkey, İşbulan shared their plans to realize innovative travel experiences and achieve great success for 2025. Plaza Premium Group Ali Bora İşbulan Emel Yasemin Akcay Emrecan Ergin

Plaza Premium Group 2024 yılında 1 milyon yolcuya hizmet verdi... Plaza Premium Group (PPG), 2024 yılına merhaba dediği Yeni Yıl Etkinliği’nde, Türkiye’deki değerli iş ortakları, müşterileri ve paydaşları ile bir araya geldi. Etkinliğe katılan PPG Group Deputy CEO’su Ali Bora İşbulan konuşmasında, Plaza Premium Group’un Türkiye’deki 4. yılına girdiğini belirterek, İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı’ndaki lounge, hızlı geçiş ve özel yolcu karşılama hizmetleri ile 2024 itibarıyla 1 milyon yolcuya hizmet verdiklerini vurguladı. İşbulan, bu başarıda, İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı yönetimi, değerli havayolları, iş ortakları ve ekibinin katkısının büyük olduğunu ifade etti. PPG’nin dünya çapında 150'den fazla ülkede faaliyet gösterdiğini ve Türkiye operasyonlarını daha da güçlendirmeyi hedeflediklerini belirten İşbulan, 2025 yılı için yenilikçi seyahat deneyimlerini hayata geçirme ve büyük başarılara imza atma planlarını paylaştı. Etkinliğe, Hong Kong’tan PPG Group CEO’su Song Hoi See de sıcak bir video mesajıyla katılarak, PPG ailesinin başarısının ardında duran iş ortaklarına ve katılımcılara sonsuz teşekkürlerini iletti. Plaza Premium Group Ali Bora İşbulan Emel Yasemin Akcay Emrecan Ergin https://lnkd.in/dadzpvMN

SAF Production Growth Falls Short of Expectations✈️ During a panel discussion moderated by Hemant Mistry Director of Energy Transition at IATA, the topic of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) took center stage as industry leaders explored its potential and challenges.🍀 Updated estimates for SAF production: 🔹2024: SAF production volumes reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters), doubling the 2023 output of 0.5 million tonnes (600 million liters). However, SAF still represents only 0.3% of global jet fuel production and 11% of global renewable fuel. 🔹This is below earlier projections of 1.5 million tonnes (1.9 billion liters), as key US-based SAF facilities have delayed their production ramp-up to 2025. 🔹2025: SAF production is expected to climb to 2.1 million tonnes (2.7 billion liters), accounting for 0.7% of jet fuel production and 13% of renewable fuel capacity. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry will require 3,000–6,500 new renewable fuel plants, with an annual investment of $128 billion—a figure significantly lower than investments in solar and wind energy to date. IATA has identified three key measures to fast-track SAF adoption: 1️⃣Increase co-processing: Allowing existing refineries to co-process renewable feedstocks alongside crude oil could save $347 billion in capital expenditures by 2050. 2️⃣Diversify SAF pathways: Encouraging investment in alternative production methods like Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) can boost SAF output. 3️⃣Establish a global SAF accounting framework: A standardized registry for SAF transactions is critical for transparency and preventing double counting, enabling a truly global SAF market. Public Support for SAF An IATA survey revealed overwhelming support from passengers: • 86% believe governments should provide production incentives for SAF. • 86% agree oil companies should prioritize SAF supply for airlines. These insights underscore the urgency of aligning government, industry, and public efforts to accelerate aviation’s path toward sustainable growth. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Kalliopi Lazari Chris Goater #iatagmd Preeti Jain

Great to be back in Geneva for International Air Transport Association (IATA) Media Day and to meet with Willie Walsh IATA Director General, and Marie Owens Thomsen IATA SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.🙏🏻 I’d like to share key highlights from the IATA Global Media Day, shedding light on the critical issues shaping the aviation industry’s future. ✈️ The aviation sector supports 86.5 million jobs globally and contributes $4.1 trillion to the economy, representing 3.9% of global GDP. ⭕️Despite these achievements, IATA highlights the industry’s fragility. Geopolitical risks, volatile fuel prices, and potential regulatory challenges, especially with the incoming U.S. administration, pose significant threats. Key Risks to the Industry 🌍 Geopolitical Uncertainty: The wars in Europe and the Middle East could escalate, negatively impacting the sector. Conversely, achieving peace, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, would provide a positive boost. 🇺🇸 Trump Administration: The return of the Trump administration introduces uncertainties, such as tariffs, trade wars, and potential inflationary pressures if higher interest rates are implemented. This could dampen demand for both air cargo and business travel. 🔹On the flip side, a continuation of business-friendly policies and deregulation could stimulate growth. However, the trajectory of U.S. support for aviation’s decarbonization remains unclear. 💧 Oil Prices: Lower oil prices have been pivotal in improving airline profitability. Any deviation from this trend could significantly alter the industry’s outlook due to thin operating margins. Regional and Operational Challenges 🌍In 2024, Europe grappled with challenges such as rising wages, fleet groundings, noise restrictions, increased airport charges, and high national taxes. 🔹The closure of 20% of European airspace due to the Ukraine conflict has forced longer routes to Asia, impacting costs and efficiency. However, 2025 offers a glimmer of recovery, with the low-cost carrier (LCC) sector driving a rebound in profitability. ✈️ Capacity Constraints: The growing number of environmental and noise-based capacity restrictions, as seen in Dublin, Amsterdam, and Mexico City, is set to become a significant concern for the aviation industry, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, in the coming years. Emerging Growth Markets and Fleet Trends 🌏 Countries like India, China, and Brazil, experiencing significant growth in aviation. 🛩️ The average age of the global commercial fleet stands at 14.8 years -a significant increase from the 13.6 years average for the period 1990-2024- highlighting the need for modernization to meet future challenges. ⭕️Turbulence Aware Platform is growing, with six airlines by pooling real-time turbulence data, the platform helps pilots optimize flight paths, enhancing safety, fuel efficiency, and reducing CO2 emissions. Kalliopi Lazari Chris Goater #iatagmd

Aviation in 2025: IATA’s Global Media Day Highlights Industry Growth, Challenges, and Ambitions✈️🌎 At the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Global Media Day in Geneva, Ied by Willie Walsh Director General, and Marie Owens Thomsen IATA SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, provided deep insights into the financial outlook, sustainability efforts, and innovative strategies shaping the sector. Financial Outlook; Growth with Caution 📈IATA projects the global airline industry will achieve $36.6 billion in net profits in 2025, reflecting a modest 3.6% profit margin, slightly up from 2024’s forecasted $31.5 billion (3.3%). Net profit per passenger is $7. 🔺Industry revenues are expected to exceed $1 trillion for the first time, driven by an anticipated 5.2 billion passengers, marking another historic milestone. ⭕️Operating profits are forecasted at $67.5 billion, with operating margins improving to 6.7%, despite continued cost pressures. However, challenges remain: high infrastructure costs, lingering supply chain disruptions, and increased taxes could dampen the industry’s recovery. “Thin margins of just $7 per passenger highlight the fragile balance between success and struggle,” noted Walsh. Sustainability and Net Zero Ambitions 🍀Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is central to achieving Net Zero by 2050, yet costs remain a concern. In 2025, SAF-related costs are expected to rise to $3.8 billion, underscoring the need for greater investment and policy support. ✅Compliance with global carbon offset programs like CORSIA will also increase costs, with expenditures reaching $1 billion by 2025. Marie Owens Thomsen emphasized the industry’s commitment: “Decarbonizing aviation is a shared goal, but we need collaboration across governments, fuel suppliers, and airlines to achieve meaningful progress.” Innovation and Digital Transformation ⭕️Initiatives like Turbulence Aware aim to address operational safety challenges. ⭕️Digitalization of the passenger journey will improve efficiency and service quality. ⭕️For air cargo, the focus remains on digital transformation to meet growing demand, particularly from booming e-commerce markets. Strategic Importance of Aviation ⭕️The sector supports 86.5 million jobs and contributes $4.1 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 3.9% of global GDP. ⭕️As passenger numbers surpass 5 billion and flights reach 40 million annually, aviation connectivity will fuel growth across industries, from hospitality to logistics. ⭕️Despite its successes, IATA underscores the fragility of the industry. Persisting geopolitical risks, volatile fuel prices, and potential regulatory challenges, particularly under the incoming U.S. administration, remain threats to the sector’s stability. Yet, the outlook for 2025 is one of cautious optimism, marked by incremental gains in financial performance, sustainability, and digitalization. #iatagmd #iata Anthony Concil Chris Goater Kalliopi Lazari Andrew Matters

Icelandair Welcomes Its First Airbus Aircraft, the A321LR, 🛫 ⭕ Icelandair, Iceland’s national carrier based in Keflavik, has reached a significant milestone by taking delivery of its first Airbus aircraft, the A321LR. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Icelandair’s history, as the airline embraces Airbus technology to modernize its fleet, enhance passenger experience, and further its sustainability goals. ⭕ The A321LR is the first of four aircraft to be leased from SMBC Aviation Capital Limited, with an additional 13 A321XLRs scheduled for delivery in the near future. These new-generation aircraft are equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and feature a two-class cabin layout with 187 seats, including 22 in Business Class and 165 in Economy Class. Passengers will enjoy the cutting-edge Airspace cabin, which offers 60% more stowage space through its XL bins, advanced gate-to-gate connectivity, next-generation inflight entertainment, and mood-enhancing lighting systems designed to improve overall well-being during the journey. ⭕ With a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles, the A321LR is ideally suited for Icelandair’s transatlantic routes, connecting Europe and North America. The aircraft delivers 20% improved fuel efficiency and a corresponding reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation single-aisle jets. Additionally, the A321neo family is designed to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with a pathway to 100% SAF compatibility by 2030, aligning perfectly with Icelandair’s sustainability initiatives. John Rasmussen Gudni Sigurdsson Asdis Petursdottir

British Airways Reveals Game-Changing New First Class Seat, Elevating Luxury Travel ✈️ ⭕ British Airways has unveiled a revolutionary new First Class seat that sets a new standard for luxury air travel, combining elegant design with cutting-edge British craftsmanship 🇬🇧. This new seat will be a centerpiece of the airline's A380 retrofit project, set to debut in mid-2026. ⭕ As the only European carrier offering a dedicated First Class service from London to the US 🇬🇧✈️🇺🇸, British Airways has worked closely with top-tier designers and manufacturers from across the UK and Ireland to create a modern, luxurious travel experience. Key Features of the New First Seat: Wider and Longer: The ultra-wide seat measures 36.5 inches and features a bed length of 79 inches, ensuring maximum comfort 😌🛏️. 32-inch 4K TV: Enjoy premium entertainment with a state-of-the-art in-flight screen 📺. Privacy and Space: The seat is surrounded by a 60-inch curved wall for ultimate privacy while maintaining a spacious, open feel 🔒🌟. Buddy Dining: For those traveling together, a unique "buddy dining" feature allows two customers to share a meal in the center cabin 🍽️👫. Personal Luggage Space: Each seat includes dedicated space for luggage, making settling in even easier 🧳💼. The seat's advanced features also include an intuitive control panel, adjustable window blinds, and the innovative "Do Not Disturb" function, allowing customers to rest without interruption 🚫👤. Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, expressed his excitement about the new seat: "We are incredibly proud to launch the next era of First, pushing the boundaries of comfort and luxury to meet the evolving needs of our customers." 🗣️👏 This new First Class offering is just one part of British Airways’ ongoing £7 billion transformation program 💷💡, which includes enhancements across the airline's global network, from new seats to upgraded lounges and in-flight services. Hakan Gocek Elisabeth Ruff Collins Aerospace Muirhead Replin by Hainsworth AMANN Group Trimite Global Coatings MGR Foamtex Ltd Botany Weaving