SunExpress has significantly increased its flight capacity from the United Kingdom to Turkey this summer, more than doubling the number of flights. This expansion reflects a strategic move to capture a larger market share in the European travel sector, positioning SunExpress as a key player in connecting these destinations.
Strategic Expansion in UK-Turkey Route
SunExpress, collaboratively owned by Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, has strategically manoeuvred to enhance its presence in the UK by substantially increasing its flight capacity to Turkey. From 74 weekly flights last year, SunExpress now operates 136 weekly flights, representing an increase of 87% in seat capacity, reaching a total of 1.32 million seats. This expansion is poised to benefit operators and agents looking for reliable flight connections.
New Airport Inclusions and Route Details
The carrier has not only increased frequency but also expanded its UK reach by including additional airports in its operations. Initially launched from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester in 2022, SunExpress has since added Bristol, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, and Stansted to its roster, enhancing accessibility for UK travellers. This broadens travel options for passengers seeking convenient access to Turkish destinations.
SunExpress’s route offerings are extensive, with 80 flights weekly to Antalya, 39 to Dalaman, 15 to Izmir, and single weekly flights to Adana and Gaziantep. By diversifying its departure points and destinations, SunExpress can better accommodate passenger demand, particularly in peak travel seasons.
Tour Operator Collaborations
Approximately 40% of SunExpress’s passenger volume from the UK stems from collaborations with tour operators, showcasing strong partnerships in the travel industry.
SunExpress utilises these collaborations without exclusive deals, instead offering discounts based on volume, incentivising operators to engage in larger bookings. This purchasing model enhances the value for tour operators and ultimately the consumer.
Fleet and Operational Scalability
The airline’s operational capacity is supported by a robust fleet, which this summer consists of 77 aircraft—10 more than in the previous year—and is part of a larger plan to have 100 aircraft by 2028 and 150 by 2035. This scaling strategy underscores SunExpress’s commitment to meeting growing demand.
Despite half ownership by Turkish Airlines, SunExpress derives 90% of its revenue from EU markets, predominantly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, highlighting its significant role within the European aviation market.
Safety and Operational Challenges
SunExpress operates a fully Boeing fleet, deliberately excluding the Boeing 737 Max-9 models following safety incident concerns. Such cautious operational decisions reaffirm the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.
The reliability and safety of its fleet remain a priority, as confirmed by securing necessary aircraft amidst Boeing’s delivery delays. This proactive approach ensures SunExpress maintains its service standards and operational efficiency.
CEO Insights and Market Positioning
Max Kownatzki, CEO of SunExpress, places emphasis on their business model as a ‘value carrier’ rather than a low-cost alternative, combining Turkish hospitality with German precision. This philosophy has been instrumental in SunExpress’s successful market positioning.
Kownatzki’s leadership has seen the airline thrive, carrying 15 million passengers this year alone, a significant increase from the previous 12.6 million, illustrating the effectiveness of their operational strategies.
Projected Future Developments
With ambitious plans for fleet expansion, SunExpress aims to fortify its market presence and cater to increasing demand, projecting growth through a continuous enhancement of services and routes.
The airline’s strategic foresight and robust growth trajectory reflect its commitment to becoming a dominant force in the aviation industry, innovating and adapting to the evolving travel ecosystem.
The expansion by SunExpress not only demonstrates its strong market ambitions but also enhances travel connectivity between the UK and Turkey. By increasing capacity and adding new routes, SunExpress is set to deliver a compelling travel solution backed by operational excellence and strategic partnerships.
