Turkey’s AJet Takes Flight as an Independent Airline in Q1 2024

In a strategic move set to reshape the Turkish aviation landscape, AJet Air Transportation, the rebranded AnadoluJet under the Turkish Airlines umbrella, is gearing up to soar as a standalone airline by the end of March 2024. The low-cost carrier’s inaugural flight marks a significant milestone, solidifying its place as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turkish Airlines.

The unveiling of AJet’s new identity took center stage during a momentous event on November 24, where the future of the airline was showcased. The first aircraft to bear the refreshed brand, an A321-200NX with registration TC-LUC (msn 10275), has already undergone a stunning makeover, although it has yet to recommence commercial operations.

Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The efforts and dedication we have put in for a long time have paid off, and we will introduce AJet to the skies with the summer schedule at the end of March 2024. We fully believe that AJet, with its new name, will become an important part of the low-cost aviation industry on a global scale.”

Crucially, the transition to a standalone carrier, complete with its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), will not disrupt AJet’s existing network. The airline will maintain its operational bases at Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen and Ankara Esenboga, ensuring continuity in service.

Presently operating as a division of Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet utilizes the AOC and code of its parent company. The fleet consists of nine A320-200Ns, fourteen A321-200NXs, seven B737-8s, and forty-six B737-800s. Additionally, the carrier engages in wet-leasing agreements for additional A320-200s, A321-200s, and B737-8s from SmartLynx Airlines/SmartLynx Airlines Malta. Looking ahead, the group envisions expanding AJet’s fleet to approximately 200 aircraft within the next decade, solidifying its position in the competitive aviation market.