12 May 2010 / TODAY’S ZAMAN, ANKARA
Despite the recent economic recession, the number of private jets grew significantly in Turkey in the last several years and now stands at 75, Civil Aviation General Directorate (SHGM) head Ali Arıduru has said.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency yesterday, Arıduru said the Turkish aviation sector has been steadily expanding over the past five years, witnessing both its transportation figures and its fleet grow. The number of commercial wide-body aircraft is expected to reach 350, up from the current 312, by the end of the year, Arıduru noted, adding that number of business jets is also on the rise. “The number of private jets has been increasing significantly over the past several years. Currently there are 75 private jets in Turkey. Many Turkish businessmen are racing to purchase a jet,” said Arıduru. Private jet flights are subject to strict inspection, thanks to which, he said, Turkey is currently ranked third among the 44 countries that are members of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), an intergovernmental organization seeking to promote a safe, efficient and sustainable European air transport system.Currently, only 20 percent of private Turkish jets flying to international destinations are inspected by these countries’ officials, he said, compared to around 80 percent in the past, Arıduru said, arguing that this is a sign of decreasing bias against the Turkish aviation sector around the world.
