Turkish Airlines is one of the biggest success stories in global aviation. In 2005, it was a regional carrier whose annual revenue was around USD2 billion, carrying 14 million passengers yearly. Today, it’s an international powerhouse, with revenues expected to reach USD12 billion this fiscal year, roughly 70 million passengers per year and nearly 300 destinations.
The company’s CEO, Temel Kotil (PhD), has been at the helm for 12 years. He credits this growth to capable employees, privatisation, and continuous expansion into new markets. EBR’s Tinbete Ermyas spoke with the ambitious leader during a trip to Ethiopia to mark the Airlines’ 10th anniversary flight to Addis Ababa. They discussed the company’s growth, plans to expand in Africa, and how the Airlines has managed during the ongoing crises in the region. The following is an excerpt.