Founder of Turkish Airlines - Fesa Evrensev
In the skies above Turkey, a trailblazing aviation story unfolds, one that began over nine decades ago with the establishment of Turkish Airlines in 1933. As the country's flag carrier, Turkish Airlines has grown to be a global powerhouse, serving an impressive number of passenger destinations and boasting a vast fleet.
At the helm during the airline's inception was Mehmet Fesa Evrensev, a man whose contributions to Turkish aviation cannot be overstated. Born in Istanbul in 1878, Evrensev studied aviation in France and Germany, eventually becoming Turkey's first licensed pilot in 1911. His pioneering spirit extended beyond the cockpit, as he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Turkish State Airlines, the predecessor of Turkish Airlines.
Evrensev served as the first CEO of Turkish State Airlines, overseeing its growth from its humble beginnings in 1933. Under his leadership, the airline began offering domestic flights that year, and in 1935, it expanded its reach to include international destinations. Evrensev's vision and leadership helped to lay the foundation for the airline's success, a legacy that continues to this day.
While Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey's first female aviator and one of the world's first female combat pilots, is widely recognised for her groundbreaking role in Turkish aviation, her direct involvement in Turkish Airlines as CEO is not extensively detailed. However, her impact on the nation and the advancement of aviation culture in Turkey is profound, indirectly supporting the growth of Turkish Airlines by raising the profile of aviation in the country.
Turkish Airlines, under Evrensev's leadership, continued to grow steadily, becoming one of the largest airlines globally by destinations served and fleet size as of 2024. The airline's contributions to the Turkish economy are significant, making it a major player in the country's economic landscape.
As we commemorate the anniversaries of these aviation pioneers, it is essential to remember their contributions to the world of aviation and the impact they had on the growth and success of Turkish Airlines. Today, the airline stands as a testament to their vision, persistence, and passion for flying, inspiring a new generation of aviators and continuing to connect the world through the skies.
References: [1] Turkish Airlines (2024). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-intl/aboutus/history/
- The pioneers in Turkish aviation, such as Mehmet Fesa Evrensev and Sabiha Gökçen, significantly shaped the early days of the Turkish aviation industry and the establishment of Turkish Airlines.
- The aviation industry and Turkish Airlines, specifically, have played a crucial role in the finance and economic growth of Turkey, transforming it into a major player in the global aerospace sector and transportation market.
- The legacy of aviation pioneers like Evrensev and Gökçen continues to influence the modern airline, inspiring a new generation of aviators and maintaining Turkish Airlines' position as a prominent figure in the aviation world.
