Etihad aims for growth in Turkey

Growing quickly with the goal of becoming a global airline company able to shape the changes and developments in air transportation in the 21st century, Etihad Airways, has increased the number of its Istanbul – Abu Dhabi flights from 4 to 5 times a week since joining the Turkish market in 2009. Fatoş Kutay, Country Manager for Turkey, states that they are proud of their collaboration with TAV during this process and expect with great enthusiasm that this collaboration will grow even more. FATOŞ KUTAY Etihad Airways Country Manager for Turkey

In what way have you been affected by the global financial crisis and its impacts on the aviation industry?
FATOŞ KUTAY: Despite the ongoing challenges in the aviation industry, Etihad Airways continues expanding its flight network and fleet prudently. This will carry on in 2010 as well. We offer our customers privileged services and this ensures that more customers in Turkey and across the world prefer to fly with Etihad Airways.

How long has Etihad Airways been operating flights to Turkey and what has the experience been like during that time? What is your strategy regarding flights to and from Turkey?
FATOŞ KUTAY: Etihad Airways added Istanbul to its global flight network in June, 2009. Initially, we operated four flights a week to Abu Dhabi; however, we increased the number of flights to five flights a week later on.
We offer flights from Istanbul with a connection through Abu Dhabi to more than 20 destinations in Australia, Asia and South Africa, including Sydney, Melbourne, Beijing, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg, Colombo and Tokyo.

Could you provide some information about your Istanbul passenger profile? In what ways is this profile affected by the commercial relations between Turkey and UAE? What can you tell us about your projections on the future of flights to Turkey?
FATOŞ KUTAY: Etihad Airways continues to secure its place firmly within the tourism industry and business markets in Turkey every day. The economic ties between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are getting stronger each year and we are proud to be playing a role in the enhancement of trade between the two countries.
In the long term, we are planning to increase passenger capacity on Istanbul – Abu Dhabi flights through operating wide body aircraft as well as offering flights daily. Furthermore, as Etihad Airways expands its global flight network particularly to destinations such as Australia, which are popular amongst Turkish passengers, the company will achieve faster growth in the Turkish market.

What are your impressions of Atatürk Airport, which is operated by TAV Airports?
FATOŞ KUTAY: TAV Airports is a prestigious airport operator and we are very pleased to be working together with TAV in Istanbul. As Etihad Airways heads towards its first anniversary of operations at Atatürk Airport, we are proud of our collaboration with TAV and really look forward to further enhancing this relationship.