A Woman Who Left Her Mark on Aviation!

Here is our interview with Eda Bildiricioğlu:

Can you tell us about yourself? What was your childhood, background, and family structure like?

I am originally from Ankara. I was born and raised there, and that city shaped the foundations of my work ethic, outlook on life, and sense of responsibility. From a young age, my family taught me the importance of working, producing, discipline, and standing on my own feet.
They always supported me in getting a good education, expanding my vision, and nurturing my creative side. Today, I carry those values with me in every step of my professional life.

How did you enter the aviation sector?

My aviation journey began in 1997, when I joined TAV Airports, one of Türkiye’s first major airport privatization projects. The terminal was still under construction, which gave me the chance to understand the industry at its core, in its most authentic form.

During this period, I realized that airports are not just technical structures; they are living ecosystems shaped by passenger needs, operational flow, business units, and commercial opportunities.

Which areas have you worked in throughout your career? What were your responsibilities?

I was responsible for managing non-aviation revenues at the airport. My role involved developing new commercial revenue streams, creating projects to enhance existing income, and ensuring the proper integration of these projects into terminal operations.

This included:

• planning and leasing commercial areas,

• managing and selling in-terminal advertising spaces,

• operating both our own lounges and those of various airlines,

• managing parking and valet services,

• establishing and operating Fast Track systems,

• developing meet & greet services,

• overseeing sponsorship processes.

Additionally, CRM and passenger satisfaction processes were a key part of my responsibilities. I played an active role in designing passenger satisfaction programs, conducting and analyzing terminal experience surveys, and improving services based on passenger feedback and behavioral data.

As a natural outcome of these efforts, I significantly contributed to the creation of TAV Passport, Türkiye’s first airport loyalty program.

In summary, my core responsibility was managing an integrated commercial ecosystem that strengthened the airport’s commercial vision, enhanced the passenger experience, and created sustainable revenue.

You are known for your significant contributions to the development of non-aviation revenues in Türkiye. How did this transformation happen?

When I started in 1997, non-aviation revenues in Türkiye were quite low and did not reflect their true potential. As I learned more about the sector, it became clear that, if managed correctly, these revenues could add tremendous value to airport operations.

I emphasized that architectural planning should always consider passenger flow, accessibility, and commercial spaces.

Airports are living structures; passenger profiles and needs change over time. Therefore, no matter how good the design is, it is essential to analyze new needs and update terminal layouts accordingly.

My focus was to analyze passenger behavior, needs, and movement within the terminal and help structure changes correctly. This approach significantly increased non-aviation revenues.

The real success came not from creating isolated services, but from transforming non-aviation revenues into a sustainable commercial ecosystem.

This journey was not only a professional specialization but also a meaningful contribution to a major transformation in Türkiye’s aviation industry. The foundations we laid have become building blocks for today’s new airports.

What lies at the core of your approach to passenger experience?

Understanding how passengers move within the terminal, where they spend time, and where they face challenges, was always my priority.

I created passenger flow maps, analyzed congestion areas, wayfinding behavior, and commercial interaction points.

These efforts improved both the passenger experience and commercial performance.

For me, passenger experience is the healthiest balance between operational efficiency and commercial success.

What is one of the most unforgettable moments in your career?

Some of the most unforgettable moments were the final 24 hours before opening a new airport. After months or years of work, seeing the last touches being made before opening an airport in a new geography with new business models was an indescribable thrill.

Watching the first aircraft touch down the next day and witnessing passengers enter the terminal for the first time…

It was like watching an airport take its first breath.

I witnessed the construction and operational transition of eight airports throughout my career.
Each opening, each team’s excitement, and each first passenger walking through the terminal remain unforgettable memories.

These moments were not just professional successes; they were the pride of witnessing the birth of an entire ecosystem.

How did you experience the COVID-19 period?

During COVID-19, I had already left TAV and was in the U.S. Even from afar, I closely observed the industry’s transformation.

Contactless services, rapid digitalization, completely new safety protocols…
All of this showed how quickly aviation must adapt.

This period reminded me once again:
An airport is the lifeline of a country, the most critical pillar of mobility and daily life.

Primeclass and TAV Passport have become international references. How were these projects born?

Primeclass Meet & Greet was designed to offer passengers a more comfortable, supported, and stress-free terminal experience.
Its success inspired the creation of a broader loyalty system, which led to TAV Passport, Türkiye’s first airport loyalty program.

Combining lounge access, fast track, parking benefits, and more under one roof, the system was quickly embraced by passengers and partners, becoming an international benchmark.

Seeing these projects grow into global service innovations has been one of the proudest milestones of my career.

Who are the female leaders who inspire you?

Inspiration, for me, doesn’t come from one person; it comes from all women who embody the identity of a strong woman. Engineers, technicians, executives… Every woman who leaves a mark in this male-dominated field opens the way for others.

I am proud of the many women in aviation whose work I have witnessed, those who design major airport concepts, manage integrated operations, win international awards, and represent their companies globally.
Working with them has always been an honor.

What message would you like to give to young women in aviation?

Women should be celebrated not only on March 8, but every day. The aviation sector thrives on women’s efforts, discipline, attention to detail, and vision.

To young women, I say:

Be brave, create, dream, and never give up.

If she chooses, a woman can transform airport operations, create international service models, and build global success stories.
My own story is a quiet yet strong example of this.