ÇELEBİ AVIATION EXPANDS GLOBAL OPERATIONS TO INDONESIA

Çelebi Aviation, a leading global provider of ground handling, cargo & warehouse and general aviation services with 65 years of experience, entered the Indonesian market. With this strategic move, Çelebi Aviation will operate in 26 airports in Indonesia. This significant milestone was officially marked at a press conference held in Jakarta, attended by Çelebi Aviation's senior management, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Indonesia and representatives from Indonesian Ministries. "This investment marks a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy and underscores our commitment to the Indonesian market" said Dave Dorner, Group CEO of Çelebi Aviation.

Çelebi Aviation, a leading global provider of ground handling, cargo & warehouse and general aviation services with 65 years of experience, expanded its international operations and entered the Indonesian market. With the acquisition of Prathita Titiannusantara (PTN), Çelebi Aviation will serve its customers and business partners with the highest quality and efficiency standards. With this strategic move, Çelebi Aviation will serve 26 airports in Indonesia, one of the key growth and development markets in Asia. It will be responsible for ground services, general aviation and other tailor-made services. Operating in 6 countries and more than 60 stations on 3 continents, Çelebi Aviation serves its customers worldwide from its headquarters in Türkiye as well as in India, Hungary, Germany, Tanzania and Indonesia.

Aiming to Strengthen Intergovernmental Relations and Economic Development 

This announcement was made at a press conference held in Jakarta on May 30th, attended by Can Çelebioğlu, Chairman of the Board of Çelebi Aviation Services, Canan Çelebioğlu, Chairman of the Board of Çelebi Aviation Holding, Dave Dorner, Group CEO of Çelebi Aviation, Murali Ramachandran, President of India & Southeast Asia of Çelebi Aviation, Talip Küçükcan, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Indonesia and representatives from Indonesian Ministries. Çelebi Aviation’s commitment to fostering strong intergovernmental relations, supporting shared goals of economic growth and development, and significantly contributing to Indonesia's aviation sector are among the highlights of the press conference. The event, attended by representatives from both national and international media, underlined the global interest in this strategic expansion.

Canan Çelebioğlu, Chairman of the Board of Çelebi Aviation Holding, expressed her excitement about the new investment: “Indonesia holds significant promise in the aviation sector, with its strategic location, thriving economy, and rich cultural diversity. We are eager to play a role in shaping the country’s aviation landscape, supporting its economic progress, and establishing ourselves as a reliable partner in its journey, in harmony with the Indonesian government’s vision.”

She also highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, "When Çelebi chooses to invest in a new country, we do so with careful consideration of its growth potential, its stance towards foreign investors and its cultural affinity. We view our investments as long-term commitments, seeking ways to contribute to the host country's development while aligning with its policies and objectives."

Dave Dorner, Group CEO of Çelebi Aviation, highlighted the company's global expansion and commitment to sustainability: "Çelebi Aviation has come a long way since its inception in 1958 as Türkiye's trailblazing private ground handling service provider. Our journey in Indonesia marks another exciting chapter in our story. We bring with us a legacy of integrity and excellence, eager to make a positive impact on Indonesia's aviation sector. Embracing technology and innovation allows us to meet evolving needs while reducing our environmental footprint."

Murali Ramachandran, President of India & Southeast Asia at Çelebi Aviation, emphasized the regional significance of this expansion: "Indonesia has the largest aviation market in Southeast Asia, making it a significant sector for both passenger and cargo movement. Our entry into this dynamic market underscores our commitment to contributing to its aviation infrastructure and economic development."

Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, pointed out the importance of Çelebi Aviation's strategic investment in Indonesia via video messaging: “Türkiye and Indonesia play crucial roles on the global stage and are poised to pass on significant legacies to future generations. We are also strategically located at key crossroads, the Malacca Straits through which over 50% of global trade passes, and the Bosphorus, the historic bridge between Asia and Europe. It is essential for our countries to work closely together. This collaboration will be fostered through trade and tourism, enhancing exchanges between our people. I hope Çelebi Aviation’s investments in Indonesia will be a vital strategic move as Indonesia seeks to develop a global hub for tourism and trade, including e-commerce in our region. I hope this step will strengthen our friendly bonds and foster great collaborations.”

Mokhammad Khusnu, Head of the International Cooperation, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation Indonesia, Ministry of Transportation, emphasized the importance of the aviation industry in economic development: “As known that aviation industry serves as a crucial pillar of economic development, facilitating trade, tourism and connectivity between nations, it is our great hope that the presence of Çelebi Aviation in Indonesia will further contribute to increasing public confidence to Indonesia’s air transport sector. Further, DGCA Indonesia also wishes that with Çelebi Aviation's expertise and experience, this partnership would support the enhancement of our commitment not only to provide better services to the public but also to better comply with ICAO safety and security standards.”

Talip Küçükcan, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Indonesia, mentioned the importance of relations between the two countries: “Next year we are going to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between Türkiye and Indonesia. Although our relation seems to be just 75 years old, we will see that our relations are deeply rooted. Because back to the 16th century, Ottoman Empire Sultans were in Indonesia. Çelebi Aviation is a household name. It is older than me. Because whoever uses Turkish airport, thinks they have seen Çelebi Aviation. Now we see that Çelebi Aviation is operating in other countries, many places. I think that this is an important moment that Çelebi Aviation’s experience, technology and know-how contribute to Indonesia.”

Strengthening Bilateral Ties 

Çelebi Aviation's expansion into Indonesia is set to create numerous opportunities for local employment and industry development. The company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality service will play a crucial role in enhancing Indonesia's aviation sector and strengthening bilateral ties. The Indonesian aviation market, welcoming about 750,000 flights annually, is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7 percent over the next five years.