Let’s get to know you better!
My name is Burçak Urla Kaya. This year marks my 30th year in the profession. Aviation is a major part of my life. I believe that no work can be considered complete if it does not touch people’s lives. I value helping, sharing, and creating a sense of peace in every environment I am part of. I avoid chaos and prefer producing in calmness. I do not shy away from responsibility, and in difficult moments, I value showing direction and building trust.
Where and when were you born? Could you tell us about your family life?
I was born in Istanbul in September 1973. I am married and have a 17-year-old son named Bulut. Due to the nature of our work, we have a mobile family life. I live in Istanbul, my husband, who is an architect, lives in Moscow, and our son has started his university education this year at RUDN University in Moscow. Although we live in different cities, we are a closely connected, supportive family that travels frequently.
When did you enter the aviation industry?
I entered the aviation industry in 1995 with HAVAŞ. After applying for a job advertisement published in October and going through several interview stages, I started working as a ground hostess at Atatürk Airport in November 1995.
Which companies have you worked for in the industry?
Havaş Ground Handling, Pegasus Airlines, and currently Tailwind Airlines.
When did you fly for the first time?
It was in October 1995 when I flew from Istanbul to Dalaman with my family for a holiday.
What has been your most interesting moment in aviation?
It is difficult to narrow it down to a single moment. Aviation has offered me not grand scenes, but small yet meaningful moments. The people whose journeys I accompanied, whose stress I shared, or who simply felt reassured by my presence became my most valuable memories.
How did you experience the COVID-19 period in the industry?
The pandemic was extremely challenging for the aviation sector, as it was for the entire world. Due to lockdowns, many people were stranded outside their countries. Instead of waiting, we chose to produce solutions and did whatever was necessary to keep our aircraft flying. At that time, our fleet consisted only of B737-400 aircraft. We successfully operated these aircraft on routes that would normally be impossible due to range and operational limitations. Looking back today, I feel proud of the operations we carried out during that period.
In the second year of the pandemic, 2021, I personally went through a severe intensive care process. Both the industry and life itself taught me very clearly what resilience and perseverance truly mean.
What would you like to see in the future of aviation?
I do not have big slogans about the future of aviation. However, I would like to see it evolve into a structure that is more sustainable, more people-centered, and one that places human effort at its core.
Which woman has been your source of inspiration?
I have not had a female leader in my life whom I directly modeled myself after. I drew inspiration not from names, but from attitude and stance. The only woman I truly admire is my grandmother. She was strong, highly organized, and always standing tall regardless of circumstances. She was not silent; when necessary, she never held back her words or advice. She taught me that leadership does not exist through silence, but through taking responsibility and standing firm.