Opening Speech of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu
The CEOs and managers of Europe’s leading airports came together. The opening speech of the meeting was made by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Uraloğlu stated that it was an important step for the Airports Council International to hold its general assembly in Istanbul this year. He emphasized that Turkey is located in the center of 67 countries where 1.4 billion people live, with a 4-hour flight distance. He also stated that they added 286 new points to their international flight network, reaching 346 points in 131 countries.
Statements by İGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen
İGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen stated that Istanbul Airport hosts 106 airlines and that they aim to increase this number to 110 by the end of the year. Bilgen stated that Istanbul Airport will be the airport hosting the most airlines by the end of the year and that they will be a pioneer by carrying out Europe’s first triple parallel runway operation.
Evaluation of Turkish Airlines General Manager Bilal Ekşi
Turkish Airlines General Manager Bilal Ekşi announced that they are the airline that flies to the most countries in the world. He touched on the factors that are effective in this success of the company.
Assessment by ACI Europe Director General Oliver Jankovec
ACI Europe Director General Oliver Jankovec praised Turkey’s performance in Europe after the pandemic. He emphasized the role of Istanbul Airport in this success. He also stated that the global aviation sector is experiencing a shift from Europe to the East. He stated that Istanbul plays an important role in travel to the Gulf countries, India, China and the Pacific regions.
