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Çelebi Aviation Targets Emerging-Market Expansion as Global Handling Demand Shifts

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Çelebi Aviation Group is accelerating its push into emerging markets, leveraging decades of operational experience in Türkiye as the company positions itself for another phase of international growth. CEO Dave Dorner says the market dynamics of 2026 and beyond will favor operators with the agility and resilience required in developing economies.

Speaking to AirlinersGS, Dorner described Çelebi as “an emerging-markets focused player, both from a strategic and capabilities perspective,” adding that the company’s historic roots in Türkiye give it a competitive advantage in markets where flexibility, efficiency and rapid scaling are essential.

Turkish Market Provided Resilience During COVID-19

Founded more than 65 years ago, Çelebi remains a dominant player in Türkiye’s handling sector, supported by strong domestic traffic and robust tourism demand. Dorner noted that the company’s extensive presence enabled it to emerge from the pandemic with far less disruption than many global competitors.

While many handlers worldwide were forced into layoffs and capacity reductions, Çelebi adopted a different strategy: retaining as much of its workforce as possible.

“It was a risky approach—we didn’t know how long COVID would last—but it paid off,” Dorner said. “Because our staff remained trained, ready and motivated, we were able to ramp up immediately as flights returned. We didn’t face the skills shortages or quality issues others are still dealing with.”

International Growth: Indonesia, Africa and Beyond

Although Türkiye still accounts for roughly half of Çelebi’s 2024 revenues, the company has expanded aggressively across Asia, Europe and Africa.

It currently operates in Hungary, Tanzania, Indonesia, India and Germany. Indonesia, where Çelebi acquired local handler Prathita Titian Nusantara and secured a cargo tender at Kualanamu International Airport, is now described as a “major growth engine.”

“We are only at the tip of the iceberg,” Dorner said, citing Indonesia’s population, geography and economic trajectory. “We already operate in 26 stations, but we will continue to build market share.”

Africa remains another core pillar of Çelebi’s strategy. Beyond Tanzania, Çelebi Cargo signed an agreement to acquire Kenya’s Transglobal Cargo Centre in a deal worth up to US$40 million. The transaction is still pending regulatory approval.

“I do believe Africa will become a major growth market,” Dorner said. “And we want to be there when that happens.”

Setback in India, But No Loss of Momentum

The company suffered a major blow in May when Indian authorities abruptly revoked Çelebi’s operating licenses, citing national-security concerns. Çelebi strongly rejected the allegations and initiated legal action.

Despite the setback, Dorner says the company will “double down” on the rest of its international footprint.

“We were growing aggressively in India,” he said. “But we see significant potential elsewhere, including Indonesia, Africa, and broader South and East Asia.”

Costs, Technology and Competitive Pressures

Dorner acknowledges that global handling remains a highly competitive industry, with persistent pricing pressure from airlines. Differentiation, he argues, must come from safety, reliability and operational excellence—not simply cost-cutting.

“Higher safety and quality ultimately reduce total cost,” he said. “You attract and retain staff more easily, and the operation runs more efficiently.”

Technology can support that efficiency, but Dorner cautions that digital tools alone cannot transform operations.

“We need motivated, trained teams using the right tools. Technology helps, but efficiency is cultural and operational, not just digital.”

Cargo Growth Diverges Across Markets

While global air cargo faces geopolitical and supply-chain uncertainty, Çelebi has benefited from strong growth in certain corridors. Budapest Airport—a key station for Çelebi—saw cargo volumes climb nearly 50% in the first half of 2024 after positioning itself as a gateway between Europe and Asia.

“We planted the seeds early,” Dorner said. “The growth in Hungary is the result of long-term effort among all stakeholders.”

Revenues Surge Despite Global Challenges

Çelebi Aviation Group’s revenue rose 28% to €540 million in 2024. Dorner emphasized that stability, rule of law and predictable regulatory environments will shape the company’s future investment decisions.

“You want predictability and fairness,” he said. “If a market is stable and transparent, we can invest with confidence.”

Çelebi’s long-term strategy remains unchanged: become the leading ground-handling player across emerging markets.

“We believe we are the best at operating in these environments,” Dorner said. “We will continue to push our strategy as fast and profitably as we can.”

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