Turkish aviation grows 15 percent every year: Expert

By Burak Akay

CANAKKALE, Turkey (AA) – Turkey’s aviation industry is expanding at much higher rate than its global competitors, Turkish carrier Onur Air’s chief executive said Wednesday.

Teoman Tosun told Anadolu Agency that Turkey’s aviation sector is expanding at 15 percent every year, compared to 5 percent internationally.

“We have become the top player in the sector globally,” he said, adding that next year the sector will grow by 12 percent.

He said this growth had become possible because of the initiatives the government had taken since 2002.

Tosun added that Turkish companies, including Onur Air, were training international pilots.

He said air transport in Turkey was divided between the national flag carrier Turkish Airlines and private carriers.

He added that while Turkish Airlines flies to the most destinations in the world, the private sector is a major building block in promoting tourism in Turkey.