eTNW reports from Aviation Outlook Africa 2013
Turkish Airlines has its eye on Africa as it plans to grow operations and expand its network, says ceo, Dr Temel Kotil.
Speaking at Aviation Outlook Africa 2013 at Sandton Convention Centre on June 26, Temel said Africa was expected to grow significantly over the next 50 years in terms of its diverse market. The African economy was also expected to grow faster than many other regions in the world. “During the next 20 years, the dominant effect of Europe on African capacity will decrease and will be replaced with other parts of the world and intra-Africa,” he said and added that mega cities in Africa were coming.
With market research showing Africa as a promising continent, Turkish Airlines will be focusing on Africa for growth as it believes it will be a very important place in future for airline networks. Its strategy includes believing in what it is doing, knowing its customers and managing the market and competition, evaluating future expectations, determining target markets, transferring passengers from Istanbul to other parts of the world and offering a wide network.
Temel added that TK had experienced a high growth rate over the last few years. It currently carries 18 million passengers a year compared with only four million in 2003. The airline flies to 103 countries and 234 destinations – 24 of the countries and 34 of the destinations are in Africa. He emphasised the importance of geography, with Istanbul in the middle of the Europe, Middle East and Asia regions. “It’s a lovely place to link to the world,” he said.
