SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, achieved a revenue of 1.8 billion euros in 2023, marking a 21 percent increase compared to the previous year. The airline recorded an 85 percent occupancy rate.
For the 2024 summer season, SunExpress aims to expand its flight network by adding 28 new routes, striving to achieve its widest flight network in history.
Max Kownatzki, CEO of SunExpress, stated, "Türkiye continues to be among the top destinations for travelers this year as well. The high demand witnessed in 2023 is reflected in this year's booking numbers. With its wide range of activities, diverse experiences, and cost-performance ratio, Türkiye stands out as an ideal travel destination. As SunExpress, we have further expanded our direct flights to Türkiye. As Türkiye's tourism market prepares for growth, we are fulfilling our role as ambassadors for Turkish tourism."
The widest flight network between Europe and Türkiye
Expanding its flight network by 28 new routes in its 2024 summer program, SunExpress is increasing its seat capacity by 19 percent this summer. The airline offers scheduled flights to over 200 destinations in more than 35 countries.
Adding 18 new routes to its flight network in the Turkish Riviera, SunExpress operates flights to a total of 67 destinations from Antalya, Izmir, Dalaman, and Bodrum-Milas airports.
In addition, SunExpress is adding 10 new international routes to its Anatolia-Europe flight network, offering direct flights from 15 Anatolian cities to 18 destinations in Europe and 3 in the Middle East. Kownatzki emphasized, "As SunExpress, while reuniting Turkish-origin guests living in Europe with their families and loved ones, we continue to support local tourism in Anatolian cities."
Targeting 15 million passengers in 2024
Having set a record with 12.6 million passengers in 2023, SunExpress aims to transport 15 million passengers this year.
Expressing their commitment to making Türkiye a destination visited throughout the year, Kownatzki said, "We continue to contribute to Türkiye's goal of welcoming 60 million tourists. We are continuing our efforts with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency to promote Turkish tourism abroad and to highlight Türkiye as a versatile travel destination that combines adventure, sports, relaxation, history, and culture."
1 in 2 visitors from Germany to Türkiye travel with SunExpress
In 2023, SunExpress carried more than 50 percent of visitors traveling from Germany to Türkiye. Türkiye hosted 6.2 million visitors from Germany last year, making Germany the second-largest market for Turkish tourism.
Creating new employment opportunities
As part of its growth strategy, SunExpress plans to employ approximately 1,300 people by the end of 2025, including cockpit crew, cabin crew, line maintenance, ground services, and headquarters positions.
Fleet to double in size within ten Years
Last year, SunExpress placed its largest aircraft order in company history. Currently operating with 77 Boeing 737 aircraft, the airline aims to increase its fleet to 166 aircraft by 2035. Kownatzki remarked, "We have once again proven our significance as a stakeholder in tourism with our flights between Turkey and Europe. Our planned growth is a testament to our commitment to Turkish tourism."
New routes of SunExpress to Türkiye's main tourism destinations: