- The Board of Directors of SunExpress appoints Marcus Schnabel as the new Chief Executive Officer effective from 1^st February, 2026.  Marcus Schnabel succeeds Max Kownatzki, who will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Eurowings -

The Board of Directors of SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has appointed Marcus Schnabel as Chief Executive Officer of SunExpress, effective from 1st February, 2026. He will succeed Max Kownatzki, who will assume a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Eurowings. 

Marcus Schnabel joins SunExpress from Lufthansa Group, where he has been responsible for Ground Operations at Lufthansa Airlines’ Munich Hub and as Deputy Hub Manager Munich since 2024. Under his leadership, one of Lufthansa’s largest hubs underwent a wide-ranging turnaround programme to increase operational excellence and customer satisfaction.  

Max Kownatzki, who has successfully held the position of CEO of SunExpress since 2020, will continue to serve until 31st January, 2026, ensuring a smooth executive management transition. 

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of SunExpress’s Board of Directors, stated: “Max Kownatzki assumed a pivotal role at the very onset of the COVID-19 crisis and led SunExpress with a steady hand through one of the most challenging periods our industry has faced. Under his successful leadership, SunExpress delivered strong financial performance, achieving sustainable growth in a highly competitive environment. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I extend our sincere gratitude to Max Kownatzki for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions, which have left a lasting legacy and positioned SunExpress for continued success. 

“I am very pleased that Marcus Schnabel will be taking on the role of CEO at SunExpress. With a sterling record of leadership and a deep understanding of SunExpress’s mission, he embodies the qualities necessary to navigate the airline through its next phase of growth. Under his guidance, I have full confidence that SunExpress will maintain its strong performance in the coming period and strengthen its position as a leading brand in the leisure airline market”, Bolat added. 

Jens Bischof, Vice Chairman of SunExpress’s Board of Directors, stated: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Max Kownatzki for his strong, heartfelt and determined leadership. Over the past six years, he has successfully guided SunExpress through numerous challenges and delivered sustainable and profitable record growth. Under his leadership, the SunExpress team achieved several historic milestones, including doubling the fleet, reaching record passenger numbers, placing the company firmly on a growth trajectory with a solid financial foundation, and earning global recognition as the World’s Best Leisure Airline.  

“I am delighted to welcome Marcus Schnabel to his new role at SunExpress. With extensive industry experience and strategic vision, he is well-positioned to lead SunExpress and guide its continued growth in the years ahead. The Board of Directors of SunExpress is convinced that Marcus Schnabel will continue the success story of SunExpress and wishes him every success in his new role.”  

Commenting on his appointment, Marcus Schnabel said: “SunExpress has firmly established itself as a dynamic and resilient airline, consistently delivering sustainable growth in recent years. I am truly excited to join this exceptional team and help shape the next chapter of its success. Together, we will continue to strengthen SunExpress’s position in the market, and make a lasting impact on the future of aviation and tourism by fostering operational excellence and delivering value to both our passengers and partners in this dynamic industry." 

Max Kownatzki added: “As I transition from my role as CEO of SunExpress, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Marcus Schnabel on taking on this esteemed position. Leading this exceptional team has been a true privilege, and I am immensely proud of all we have achieved together. With every member of this incredible family, we overcame extraordinary challenges and reached historic milestones, helping to shape a bright and remarkable future for SunExpress. I have full confidence in Marcus Schnabel’s leadership to guide SunExpress toward continued success. My best wishes go out to the entire team for a future filled with bold opportunities, inspiring journeys, and milestones that embody the passion, dedication, and family spirit of SunExpress.” 

--END--

Notes to editors

Images

To download images of SunExpress, click here

To download images of Marcus Schnabel, click here.

About Marcus Schnabel

Marcus Schnabel brings twenty years of leadership experience within the Lufthansa Group, where he has held senior roles across ground operations, flight operations, safety and security, as well as strategic planning. Since April 2024, he has been responsible for Ground Operations at Lufthansa Airlines’ Munich Hub as well as Deputy Hub Manager Munich. At one of Lufthansa’s largest hubs, he has been responsible for both operational and commercial performance, spearheading a wide-ranging turnaround program to drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Schnabel began his career as a commercial pilot at Lufthansa Group in 2000. His career trajectory includes positions as Senior Vice President Flight and Ground Operations Standards & Security in Frankfurt, Vice President Operations Planning and Steering at Swiss International Air Lines in Zurich, as well as Senior Director Crew Capacity Planning & Operations Support in Munich. Prior to his current position, he bore responsibility for commercial and operational group standards at 250 stations worldwide, while additionally leading commercial for Lufthansa Services Thailand and Portugal, as well as Global Load Control Cape Town. Among others, he excelled in Lufthansa Airlines’ restructuring program “Score” in 2013, enhanced operational performance and customer service for Swiss International Air Lines, and led innovation projects with Lufthansa, German Air Traffic Control and Munich Airport.

Marcus Schnabel studied Business Administration at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich as well as Fernuniversität Hagen and graduated with an Academic Degree specialising in Operations Research and Controlling. He holds a commercial pilot license and combines his executive leadership with active flying duties as Captain, bringing both strategic vision and hands-on operational expertise to the aviation industry.

About SunExpress

Founded in Antalya as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, SunExpress acts as a tourism ambassador between Türkiye and Europe with 35 years of experience and leisure airline expertise. Operating flights to 237 routes across 35 countries, SunExpress carries nearly 15 million passengers annually with over 4,500 employees based in Antalya, Frankfurt, Izmir, Ankara and Dalaman. For more information, please visit www.sunexpress.com. 

For more information, contact:

Charlie Hampton / Faye Clarke
Tel:  +44 (0)7350 420791
Email: sunexpress@pembrokeandrye.com