The senior management team of Turkish Airlines (THY) is made up of people who have signed and will continue to sign major projects in the company’s history: Ahmet Bolat, Murat Şeker, Ahmet Olmuştur, M. Akif Konar, Mahmut Yayla, Yahya Üstün, and Abdülkerim Çay. And let’s not forget Kerem Sarp, who has been leading THY’s subsidiary AJet to record-breaking success.
I can also say I’ve been inside the company for many years. I’ve worked in numerous media outlets and attended some of THY’s most important events. I have many stories — and today, I’d like to share one with you, my dear readers.
It’s a story involving Ahmet Olmuştur, THY’s Deputy General Manager for Commercial Affairs, during the opening of the Taiwan–Taipei route.
Ahmet Bey is undoubtedly a valuable figure for both THY and our country. His importance will only be more evident in the years to come.
On my mother’s side, I’m originally from Akyazı in Sakarya. So is Ahmet Bey. Our families trace back to Trabzon. I had actually met him earlier at another THY route inauguration, where we discovered that we were fellow townsmen.
The year was 2015. Taipei became THY’s 265th destination in 109 countries. Our flight departed from Istanbul Atatürk Airport and landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport after an 11-hour journey. Interestingly, the day before, THY had also inaugurated the Manila route in the Philippines. While one group of journalists traveled to cover the Manila opening, our group was in Taipei.
At the airport, we were welcomed with a grand ceremony. Later, we began exploring the city. I requested an interview with Ahmet Olmuştur from the Press Office, and my request was approved. I wanted the best possible setting for this interview. During our city tour, I suggested we do it at Taipei 101, the iconic symbol of Taiwan.
This was during one of the tensest periods between China and Taiwan. A single misplaced message could have jeopardized all diplomatic relations and severely complicated future contacts with China.
So, Ahmet Bey and I sat down and reviewed the interview once more. Every message was carefully balanced and delivered appropriately. Now, ten years later, the tension between China and Taiwan remains. Looking back, I realize even more how crucial that diplomatic sensitivity was at the time.
What I want to highlight is this: behind THY’s growth and its achievements are countless stories of care, dedication, and effort. Acting with balance on the global stage and managing crucial bilateral relations between countries are among the biggest factors that have taken an airline to the top.
If THY is today the airline flying to the most destinations worldwide, we must not overlook the hidden heroes who made it possible.
Safe flights.