Özen leaves top cargo role at Turkish Airlines
02 / 01 / 2024
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Turkish Airlines has appointed Ali Türk as chief cargo officer.
He replaces Turhan Özen, who has served as the chief cargo officer since October 7, 2016.
Türk was previously senior vice president of Turkish Cargo from July 2011 until Apr 2016.
Most recently he was chief supply chain officer at telecommunication and technology services provider, Turkcell.
Turkish Airlines has also amended its organisational structure, with the position of chief commercial officer changing to chief operational officer.
Following this decision, Kerem Sarp, who served as the chief commercial officer, will continue as the general manager of Ajet Air Transport, while Mehmet Akif Konar has been appointed as the chief operational officer.
Turhan Ozen. Photo: Turkish Airlines
Özen is leaving his position “due to his career preferences” Turkish Airlines said.
He has overseen much change at the cargo business since he took the role in 2016.
The carrier has expanded its fleet rapidly in that time, moving up from the 20th busiest cargo carrier in 2016 to number 7 in 2022, according to IATA statistics.
Turkish has also moved into a modern new cargo hub following the opening of Istanbul Airport and invested in its digital services.
The carrier also achieved the IATA CEIV certificates for Pharma, Perishables, Live Animals and Lithium Batteries.
Looking ahead, Turkish Cargo is looking to further expand its freighter fleet and speaking at a recent event, Özen, revealed that the airline was taking aim at a fleet of 40 freighters.
Last month, Turkish Airlines ordered five Airbus A350 freighters.
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