Air Partner celebrates first anniversary of Turkish office

The company, which marks its 50th year of trading this year, expanded its market reach with the opening of a new base in Istanbul at the beginning of 2010 as part of its on-going strategy to expand into key geographic markets. Currently, the Air Partner Group has 20 offices spanning Europe, the US, the Middle East and Far East.
Air Partner Turkey’s performance has already exceeded expectations and is headed by Country Manager Serkan Topcu, formerly from cargo logistics company Schenker Logistics. In line with the company’s policy of engaging local specialists with global expertise, his team includes Charter Sales Manager Emir Ozdabak, Broker Analyst Cag Caglar and Commercial Manager Gunnes Nomaler. All have strong aviation charter backgrounds and have played an important role in the development of Air Partner’s existing and new business in the Turkish region.  
“We are delighted that Air Partner is already positioned as a reliable and recognised brand in the Turkish charter market, providing a vital link between Air Partner’s established operations in Europe and emerging markets in the Middle East,” said Serkan.   
Air Partner’s Commercial Jets and Freight aircraft charter divisions have seen excellent expansion in Turkey.
New commercial jet airliner charter business has been generated from key growth sectors, including the inclusive tour industry for the movement of passenger groups using Boeing 737s and Airbus A300, A310 and A320s. Aircraft leasing has also been a successful area of business.
Freight activity has largely focused on supporting the automotive sector and contracts have included flying urgently needed car parts from Turkey to Sweden and moving tyres from the UK into Turkey. However, flights have also been organised to carry construction materials to the Middle East, aircraft engines for AOG airliners and textiles from Asia to Europe.
Richard Smith, Air Partner’s Director of Group Freight, said: “Having first-rate connections with Turkish aircraft operators for both freight and commercial jets has been extremely valuable in setting up this local office.  We anticipate further growth in oil and gas projects to the Middle East and Caspian regions and Turkey especially is a gateway into these significant new, rapidly emerging territories.”
Looking ahead, Kevin Ducksbury, Director of Middle East and Asia, said Air Partner Turkey will now apply greater significance on promoting the company’s Private Jets products and services, including the ad hoc charter of executive aircraft and the company’s all-inclusive JetCard membership scheme.