Explaining that Türkiye creates a safe bridge between East and West, North and South, Şeker continued his words as follows:
"As THY, we make the best use of this strategic geographical location advantage and maintain our position as the airline company that flies to the most points in the world with 133 countries and 358 destinations. With our fleet of 568 aircraft, we rank first in Europe in international passenger capacity among network carriers and third on a global scale. The supply chain shocks and conflicts in the Middle East in recent years have once again shown that global trade routes need safe and stable environments. Based in Istanbul, THY serves European, Asian, Middle East and European companies looking for new growth markets. “It is the perfect partner for Eastern and African travelers and corporate clients.”
10 BILLION DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY
Şeker stated that global trade and economic stability are going through a difficult period and said, "Despite the crises experienced around the world, there is a huge potential waiting to be realized in Türkiye-EU relations." he said.
Stating that the ties between Turkey and the EU are not limited to geography, but are based on deep commercial partnerships and intense tourism flow, Şeker emphasized that the EU is the most important economic partner of Türkiye and THY.
Şeker reminded that THY made its first international flight to Athens in 1947 and stated that today they have reached 126 destinations in Europe.
Drawing attention to the 37-year successful partnership of SunExpress, a joint organization of THY and the German Lufthansa Group, Şeker said that this is one of the longest-running collaborations between Europe and Türkiye.
Şeker noted the following regarding the airline's contributions to the European economy:
"In 2025, THY and our subsidiary AJet carried approximately 8 million tourists to European destinations. By operating at the world's most connected airport, we support tourism, trade and employment throughout Europe. Last year, the expenditures of our passengers arriving in Europe are estimated to be approximately 10 billion dollars. Considering the contributions provided to airports, the accommodation sector and sub-industries, the value we offer to the European economy is much greater. In the first 9 months of this year, we set a new record in our European operations, with approximately 26 million passengers." "We carried passengers and delivered half a million tons of cargo to the continent. These figures are proof of our steady growth in Europe despite the negative political conjuncture."
Stating that passengers of European origin constitute approximately 30 percent of THY's international transfer traffic, Şeker said that they do not see aviation only as carrying passengers, but as a facilitator of global trade and tourism.
Şeker added that their air cargo brand, Turkish Cargo, is the world's third largest air cargo carrier and serves a total of 376 destinations with passenger flights.
Stating that they started flying to 10 new destinations in Europe in the last 5 years, Şeker emphasized that the connection options they offer to European travelers are more than twice the size of their closest competitors.
Stating that they blend operational success with Turkish hospitality, Şeker said, "The importance we attach to passenger experience is also registered in the international arena. At the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, THY was deemed worthy of the 'Europe's Best Airline' award for the 11th time and the 'World's Best Business Class Catering Service' award for the 10th time." he said.
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION INVESTMENT FROM THY
In his speech, Şeker touched on sustainability efforts and legal regulations and stated that they continue to invest in new generation aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable energy.
Stating that they are among the investors of the SAFFA Fund, which was established with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the production capacity of the aviation industry, Şeker stated that they work together with global companies such as Airbus, BNP Paribas, Air France, CMA CGM and Mitsubishi Group in this fund.
Şeker said, "We plan to invest in a SAF production facility with a production capacity of 100 thousand tons in 2029. We are fully committed to our commitment to become a carbon neutral airline by 2050." he said.
CALL TO THE EU FOR FAIR COMPETITION IN EMISSIONS REGULATIONS
While fully supporting the industry's vision of reducing carbon emissions, Şeker underlined that EU Emission Trading System (ETS) regulations should ensure fair competition and equal treatment among airlines and concluded his words as follows:
"Measures based on geographical location or flight distances may create unfair and disproportionate cost burdens. Europe must pursue its sustainability goals without creating new obstacles to fair competition. Such competitive deviations can negatively affect the overall economy, tourism and connectivity of the region. We see ourselves as a committed strategic partner of the European business community, strengthened by Türkiye's unique location. With our motto 'Expand Your World', we continue to build stronger, more resilient networks for Europe and beyond."
