Turkey’s BKNJET to Streamline Fleet Around Large Jets

Following its 2024 acquisition of TAV Air and rebranding to BKNJET, Türkiye’s Bikini Jet is now focused on expanding its fleet of large jets while consolidating aircraft types. Speaking in Istanbul, CEO Orkun Cetinkaya said the company plans to grow its fleet to 10 aircraft by year-end, up from six currently. Two more jets are expected by the end of the month, with additional deliveries to follow.

Bikini Jet currently operates a diverse fleet that includes a Citation Jet 3+, Citation Latitude, GIV-SP, Global Express XRS, and Legacy 650, alongside a managed Diamond DA-62. Cetinkaya acknowledged that managing multiple aircraft types increases operational complexity and said the airline aims to concentrate on Global, Legacy, and Latitude models moving forward.

Cetinkaya emphasized a preference for managing customer-owned aircraft rather than purchasing or leasing jets, citing high investment risk. All of the company’s jets are charter-friendly and owned by Turkish nationals. He noted that pilot availability is a major challenge, with rising salaries driven by competition from fast-growing airlines and regulatory requirements mandating at least one Turkish pilot per flight.

The company is also aligning operations with its maintenance division, Bikini Technic, to ensure new fleet types can be serviced in-house. With all aircraft based at centrally located Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Cetinkaya expressed concern about the airport’s uncertain future amid possible redevelopment.

Bikini Jet is targeting growth in the Middle East, India, Africa, and the U.S., with ESTA approval underway to boost its competitiveness in transatlantic charter markets.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com