Ayşe Akalın: Çelebi Aviation has been a prominent player in ground handling since 1958. How has the company evolved over the decades to become a global leader in aviation services?

Osman Yılmaz: With over 65 years of experience, Çelebi Aviation operates on a global scale. As of today, we provide services across 3 continents. With our broad service portfolio, we are positioned as a reliable solution partner at airports around the world.

One of our most strategic recent moves was expanding into Indonesia. Having entered this market with ground handling services in 2024 through the acquisition of PT. Prathita TitianNusantara (PTN), we extended our operations in 2025 by opening a modern cargo terminal at Kualanamu Airport in Sumatra. This investment represents a key milestone in our growth strategy for Southeast Asia and will soon scale to serve 26 airports across the country.

In the European market, Hungary stands out particularly through our achievements in digitalization and customer satisfaction. Our operations at Budapest Airport, where we manage both Çelebi Lounge services and ground operations, exemplify how Çelebi has elevated its service quality beyond European standards.

Meanwhile, in Germany, our operations at Frankfurt Airport are distinguished by our strong focus on sustainability. With 95% of our equipment now electric and a shift toward hybrid vehicles across our fleet, we have achieved a 20% reduction in emissions since 2021. Our implementation of gate management systems, electric transfer vehicles, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in cargo processes showcases our innovation-led approach.

In Tanzania, we are proud to operate with fully carbon-neutral equipment. Our transition to electric tractors and commitment to environmentally friendly technologies demonstrate our ability to deliver high standards even in developing aviation markets.

At the heart of our global growth strategy lie four critical priorities: delivering tailored solutions to local needs, accelerating digital transformation, placing sustainability at the core of our operations, and investing in our human capital. At Çelebi, we aim to create long-term value in every market we enter, and we are committed to sustainable growth across all regions where we operate.

Ayşe Akalın: Operating in 3 continents worldwide, your ground handling services cover a broad range—from passenger services to aircraft cleaning. Which of these areas are currently seeing the most innovation or demand?

Osman Yılmaz: Each area of ground handling plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and safe airport operations. However, in today’s landscape, digitalization-focused solutions and enhancements to passenger experience, particularly in passenger services and VIP offerings, are gaining the most traction.

For instance, using digital technologies such as terminal automation, biometric access systems, and self-check-in, we offer passengers a faster and more comfortable travel experience. Additionally, we’re seeing a rising demand for personalized services within our VIP operations.

On the cargo side, there’s growing interest in solutions tailored to specific needs, such as temperature-controlled transportation, secure handling of valuable goods, and live animal logistics. In these areas, we continually enhance both our infrastructure and expert teams, integrating technology to drive operational excellence.

Ayşe Akalın: Çelebi is active in countries like Türkiye, Hungary, Germany, Tanzania, and Indonesia. Can you enlighten us about your activities in operating in such varied markets?

Osman Yılmaz: Each market has its own operational requirements, regulations, and cultural dynamics. We develop locally relevant solutions without compromising our global standards.

In Germany, process security and quality expectations take precedence. At Frankfurt Airport, our focus on digital automation and emission reduction technologies has led to major gains in operational effiency. 

In emerging markets such as Indonesia and Tanzania, infrastructure development and talent cultivation become critical focus areas. In Tanzania, for example, we have implemented carbon-neutral equipment fleets, while in Indonesia, our entry has been marked by compliance excellence and rapid capacity building in both ground handling and cargo operations.

Rather than seeing this diversity as a challenge, we view it as an opportunity for learning and growth. By incorporating experiences from each market into our global knowledge base, we can offer stronger, more agile solutions across different geographies.

Ayşe Akalın: Budapest and Diyarbakır, you’ve recently opened a new Çelebi Platinum Lounge at Çukurova Airport. What makes these lounges stand out in terms of design and passenger experience? What was the strategic vision behind entering the lounge segment?

Osman Yılmaz: When we launched the Çelebi Platinum Lounge concept, our goal was not just to create a comfortable waiting space for travelers, but to offer a premium experience that delivers a sense of quality and exclusivity throughout their journey.

Our latest lounge at Çukurova Airport, our third facility of this kind, is the most current expression of this vision. Spanning a total area of 788 m² across domestic and international terminals, these lounges feature private workspaces, unlimited Wi-Fi, childcare units, flight information screens, and premium food and beverage options. We serve an average of 250 passengers per day.

These investments go beyond customer satisfaction; they also enhance the overall image of the airports we serve. Our expansion in the lounge space is part of a broader strategy to extend premium service quality across the entire passenger journey.

Ayşe Akalın: What types of services does Çelebi Aviation specifically provide to air cargo carriers, and how are these tailored to meet the unique operational and logistical needs of freight operators?

Osman Yılmaz:  Our cargo operations are designed to meet the complex logistical demands of air transport. We operate with specialized teams in areas such as temperature-controlled cargo handling, secure management of valuable and sensitive shipments, and fast transit of perishable goods.

We also provide internationally compliant solutions for highly sensitive services like live animal transport. With modern infrastructure and digital tracking systems in our cargo warehouses, we can monitor every stage of cargo movement, achieving a well-balanced approach to continuity, security, and speed. This allows us to offer our partners flexible and reliable solutions tailored to diverse logistical requirements.

Ayşe Akalın: What technological and digital advancements has Çelebi Aviation implemented in its ground handling operations, and how are these innovations improving efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction?

Osman Yılmaz: Digitalization plays a strategic role in our pursuit of operational excellence. Today, our operations incorporate a wide range of innovations, from AI-supported planning systems and mobile crew management apps to IoT-based equipment tracking and virtual reality training.

Particularly in apron management, smart systems have enabled more precise aircraft scheduling, while real-time data monitoring helps minimize errors. Our digital feedback systems, which allow us to instantly track passenger and customer satisfaction, help us continuously improve our service quality.

In Frankfurt and Budapest, we have implemented Robotic Process Automation (RPA), mobile service forms for ramp agents, and digital warehouse management systems that optimize cargo operations and improve security screenings.

Ayşe Akalın: Sustainability is becoming increasingly critical in the aviation industry. What initiatives has Çelebi Aviation undertaken to reduce its environmental footprint, particularly in ground handling and premium lounge services?

Osman Yılmaz: For us, sustainability is not only a matter of corporate responsibility, but also a core pillar of our growth strategy. Thanks to our investment in electric and low-emission equipment, 38% of our fleet is now electric, and we aim to raise this to over 60% in the short term. Our LEED Gold-certified facility at Istanbul Airport is one of Türkiye’s pioneering examples in this field. We operate high-capacity electric equipment in Türkiye, Hungary, Germany, and Tanzania, and continue converting fossil-fuel vehicles into electric ones.

In our lounge services, we partner with local supply chains to lower carbon emissions, and we adopt digital and resource-saving initiatives for an environmentally conscious approach. We also comply with international environmental management standards such as ISO 14001. Additionally, we run regular training programs to raise employee awareness, integrating a sustainability mindset into our corporate culture. In other words, we’re working toward a greener and more responsible future—both operationally and culturally.

Ayşe Akalın: Looking ahead, what are Çelebi Aviation’s priorities for growth and innovation in the next five years?

Osman Yılmaz: In the coming period, our priorities include strengthening our presence in existing markets and expanding into new geographies. We’re planning strategic partnerships and investments in markets with high potential in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Digitalization will remain a key focus. We continue investing in technologies that make operational processes faster, more efficient, and transparent.

We also aim to implement new practices that enhance employee experience and customer satisfaction. In areas like premium lounges, which directly influence passenger experience, we plan to expand and extend our premium service network to new locations. So, we’re heading into a period marked by bold and innovative steps—both in terms of technological transformation and service diversification.

At the same time, we will continue investing in our human capital, focusing on employee development and well-being. By building on our current strengths, we aim to evolve into an even more agile, innovative, and globally minded Çelebi in the future.

 Ayşe Akalın: As Çelebi Ground Handling (ÇHS), what is your strategy for forming new airline partnerships? Could you share recent developments in this area?

Osman Yılmaz: At Çelebi Ground Handling, forming new airline partnerships is central to our growth strategy and operational vision. We work closely with carriers to understand their specific needs and provide customized ground handling services that support smooth, safe and high-quality operations from day one.

Recently, we have supported several inaugural flights in Türkiye by partnering with both national and international airlines. For instance, we provided full ground handling services for Azerbaijan Airlines’ new Çukurova–Baku route, successfully managing their first operation at Çukurova Airport.

In Antalya, we supported the first Riyadh and Jeddah flights operated by both Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas—demonstrating our ability to handle high-volume operations with efficiency and precision during the busy summer season.

We also partnered with AJet for the launch of its Diyarbakır–Skopje service and with Aegean Airlines for the new Thessaloniki–Izmir route. In each case, Çelebi Ground Handling teams ensured seamless first-day operations and a strong passenger experience, helping airlines establish a reliable presence in new markets.

These collaborations reflect our proactive approach to growing alongside our airline partners. Whether it's expanding into new cities or launching seasonal routes, we stand as a trusted ground handling provider committed to operational excellence, safety and customer satisfaction from the ground up