As Turkey progresses toward its goal of becoming a regional maintenance hub in the aviation sector, the demand for qualified maintenance personnel continues to rise steadily. The realisation of this goal, clearly emphasised in the Presidential strategic plans, is directly linked to the number of expert technicians available in the field. However, recent developments have revealed a concerning picture that could jeopardise this ambition.
While the number of technicians licensed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been visibly decreasing, many highly qualified technicians holding an EASA Part-66 licence are opting to work abroad due to the challenging licence conversion procedures in Turkey. This situation not only deepens the labour gap within the sector but also weakens Turkey’s competitive edge on the global aviation stage.
New Regulation on the Agenda for ICAO-Licensed Technicians
In line with the provisions of Annex-1 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there is now a proposal to integrate experienced, foreign-licensed technicians—who meet language proficiency and other requirements—into Turkey’s civil aviation workforce.
Key proposals include:
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Allowing technicians holding ICAO-compliant licences to work in Turkey under specific conditions,
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Addressing the shortage caused by the migration of EASA-licensed personnel through ICAO-licensed technicians who meet criteria set by the DGCA,
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Authorising these technicians to operate under defined technical standards and internal auditing procedures.
The maintenance organisations employing these technicians will carry out internal audits through their approved quality systems, while all operations will remain under the oversight and inspection of the DGCA.
A Strategic Step for the Sustainability of the Sector
The proposed regulation could provide an effective solution to the labour crisis in the sector without compromising aviation safety. Allowing qualified foreign nationals with ICAO-compliant licences—who meet defined standards—to work with DGCA approval will not only help close the current gap but also support Turkey’s vision of becoming a regional maintenance hub.
