Pegasus Airlines, operating from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), stands out as one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers, with a rapidly expanding flight network stretching from northwestern Europe to the Middle East and Central Asia. In 2022, Güliz Öztürk made history as Turkey’s first female airline CEO, playing a pivotal role in Pegasus’s remarkable journey.
Güliz Öztürk: The Driving Force Behind Pegasus’s Growth
Joining Pegasus Airlines in 2005, Güliz Öztürk was part of a company with just 14 aircraft operating charter services. She played a key role in transitioning the airline to a low-cost carrier (LCC) model and, in 2008, became Sales Director. By 2010, she had taken on the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), leading crucial areas such as revenue management, network planning, and customer experience.
As one of the sector’s leading female figures, Öztürk contributed significantly to Pegasus becoming Turkey’s largest private airline. Her appointment as CEO in 2022 not only marked a personal achievement but also established her as Turkey’s first female airline CEO.
Female Leadership and Corporate Success
Upon her appointment, Öztürk recognised the low representation of women in leadership roles within aviation and committed to fostering positive change. “I never set out to be a female leader, but I feel the responsibility that comes with this title. I take pride in being a role model for my female colleagues,” she stated.
She attributes her success to an unwavering focus on excellence, emphasising that before aspiring to leadership roles, her primary goal was always to excel in her work.
The Strategy Behind Pegasus’s Success
By 2024, Pegasus had carried 37.48 million passengers, overcoming significant challenges and crises along the way. Öztürk highlights the airline’s robust business model as the foundation of its success. In 2005, when the LCC model was still novel in Turkey, Pegasus aimed to democratise air travel with affordable fares, opening up the skies to a broader market. “Flying is everyone’s right. By lowering ticket prices, we changed the Turkish public’s flying habits and created vast potential,” she said.
Choosing Sabiha Gökçen Airport on Istanbul’s Anatolian side also proved to be a strategic advantage, significantly contributing to the airline’s growth.
Growth Through Fleet and Operational Efficiency
Öztürk stresses that Pegasus’s operational success is rooted in strong fleet management. “By utilising next-generation aircraft, we increased fuel efficiency and reduced our fleet age to under four years, boosting our operational efficiency,” she explained. Moreover, with 60% of ticket sales made through digital channels, Pegasus has taken significant steps towards digital transformation.
Redefining the Low-Cost Carrier Model
Beyond the typical LCC offering, Pegasus has redefined the model by introducing services such as connecting flights and a loyalty programme, adding extra value for passengers. This strategy leverages Istanbul’s strategic geographical position to attract more transit passengers and expand its customer base.
Pegasus’s Future: New Goals and Investments
Looking ahead, Öztürk emphasises that Pegasus’s growth ambitions extend beyond existing routes, with plans for new destinations and international expansion. The airline’s order of 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft by 2024 will be a key factor in achieving its growth targets.
Additionally, the expansion of capacity at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, including the construction of a new terminal set for completion in 2025, will enable Pegasus to carry even more passengers.
