Dear readers,
As of this week, Turkish aviation is telling us one clear thing: we have moved past the question of “Are we growing?” and are now at the stage of asking “How are we growing?”
The figures are impressive, the projects are large, the targets ambitious. However, like every high-altitude flight, this rise requires careful cockpit management.
At first glance, defence and aviation exports exceeding USD 10 billion is an achievement worthy of applause. And when we are talking about USD 2.95 billion in orders in areas such as engine technologies — the “hardest league” — this goes beyond a simple industrial success and marks the crossing of a significant threshold.
Yet this is where we need to pause and think:
How much of this export performance is sustainable, and how much is cyclical?
The real test for Turkish aviation will be to transform these figures from one-off successes into a structure with strong brand value and technological depth. Otherwise, high export volumes may carry the risk of falling into a low value-added trap.
THY Investments: The Right Vision at the Right Time?
Turkish Airlines’ infrastructure investments exceeding TRY 100 billion clearly convey one message:
Türkiye wants to become a centre that manages the entire aviation ecosystem.
Investments in maintenance and repair, cargo, catering, training and digital infrastructure are a key part of the goal to turn Istanbul into an “air logistics hub” between East and West.
However, there is also a critical balance to be maintained here:
At a time when global passenger demand is volatile, geopolitical risks are rising and airline profitability is under pressure, investments on this scale require flawless demand and risk management.
Poor timing can strain even the right project.
Geopolitical Reality: Aviation Is Not in a Glass Bubble
The flight cancellations to Iran once again remind us of one thing:
No matter how advanced it is technologically, the aviation sector is not independent of geography or politics.
Türkiye’s advantage lies in being a multi-dimensional balancing country within this fragile geography.
Its disadvantage is that this balance can be disrupted at any moment.
Therefore, Turkish aviation must be built on a structure that has strong geopolitical risk assessment capabilities and can make flexible and rapid decisions.
Digitalisation Is the Most Critical Topic
Perhaps the least talked-about yet most important development of the week is the digitalisation targets in civil aviation.
Because today, aviation competition worldwide is no longer won by the number of aircraft, but by data, artificial intelligence, traffic management and operational efficiency.
Türkiye is opening the right door here.
For this process to succeed, digitalisation must translate into real impact in field operations, pilot training, air traffic control and maintenance processes.
Where Is the Real Risk?
The biggest risk for Turkish aviation may be complacency driven by success.
If structural issues are overlooked while figures rise;
if efficiency, human resources and sustainability are neglected as growth accelerates, the picture applauded today may be questioned tomorrow.
Turkish aviation today is strong, ambitious and confident.
Every decision, every investment, every route;
must be aligned with global competition, geopolitical waves and economic realities.
If this balance is established correctly, Türkiye can become a permanent player in the global aviation league.
Otherwise, flying high also brings the risk of a hard landing.
I wish all aviation professionals a safe and peaceful week.
