Turkey is becoming a hot market for business jets

05 September 2007

Turkey is rapidly becoming the new hub for business jets and helicopters in West Asia and Eastern Europe. Turkish air taxi companies are ordering large numbers of new business jets. Having recovered from the economic crisis of 2001, Turkey's business aviation sector has grown significantly since 2004. Experts predict that at least 50 more planes and helicopters will come to Turkey in the next three years.

The country's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) says there are 192 aircraft in 57 air taxi companies in Turkey. These include 133 planes, 31 helicopters, 23 light air vehicles and five balloons. Prospects seem bright, as 12 more companies have applied to the SHGM for flight permission.

The most expensive business jets ordered to date in Turkey are the Bombardier Global Express XRS, worth approximately $42 to 52 million and the Dassault Falcon 7X worth $47 million. The XRS has been ordered by the Çukurova Group, and will be handed over in 2009. Palmali will include a 7X in its fleet by 2011.

The cheapest business jets are the Cessna Mustang worth $2.6 million and the Eclipse 500 worth $2 million. The Atasay Group has ordered a record 180 Eclipse 500's; delivery is to start in 2008.

Atasay plans to sell these planes to countries in the Balkans, West Asia and Central Asia, apart from Turkey. It will also provide air taxi services with an aviation company it is setting up with Dutch partner ETIRC.

Turkey's rapidly growing helicopter market is seeing intense competition between giants like Agusta Westland, Bell, Eurocopter and Sikorsky. Medium and wide body helicopters are gaining ground on the smaller models used earlier. But the waiting period of two to three years for delivery of helicopters and business jets leads many businessmen to opt for the second hand or rental option.