- Over 13 million Passengers Carried Since the Start of the Year -

Antalya, Türkiye: 18 November, 2025 – SunExpress, the joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, has shared its performance for the 2025 summer season along with the plans for its 2026 schedule.

Having successfully completed the summer with strong operational results, SunExpress is preparing for the coming seasons with an expanding network and intends to focus on fleet modernization.

Operating with a fleet of 85 aircraft, SunExpress carried more than 13 million passengers since the beginning of the year, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year, and with a load factor of 85%. The airline also added 15 new international routes to its network during the 2025 summer season.

Highlighting the increasing demand from the UK and Ireland to Türkiye this past summer, SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki said: “The UK and Ireland are now among our fastest growing markets in recent years. Since 2022, we have quadrupled our seat capacity and have become the leading carrier in terms of UK airport connectivity to Türkiye. With our direct flights, we are delighted to enable more travellers to discover Türkiye’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality.”

Expanding Network for the New Season

Looking ahead to summer 2026, Kownatzki emphasised the continued interest in travel to Türkiye from Europe: “Early bookings are showing an upward trend compared to last year. Türkiye continues to hold a strong position in the European market thanks to its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, warm hospitality and strong value-for-money proposition.”

In summer 2026, SunExpress plans to continue this growth in the UK and Ireland in summer 2026 with the launch of services to Antalya from a new UK departure point – East Midlands Airport. It will also build on the success of existing departure points with new services from Cork to Antalya, and the airline’s first ever services from the UK to Bodrum, departing from Gatwick and Manchester.  Of the 10 new international routes to be launched, four are from the UK and Ireland: Antalya–Cork, Antalya–East Midlands, Milas-Bodrum–London Gatwick and Milas-Bodrum–Manchester. With the planned seat capacity for 2026, the airline is also poised to operate the largest number of flights from the UK to Antalya and Izmir.

Fleet Modernisation

Having nearly doubled its fleet compared to the pre-pandemic period, SunExpress now aims to renew and modernise its aircraft to offer passengers an even more comfortable and efficient travel experience. The new fleet will also reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, while supporting long-term operational efficiency.

Kownatzki explained: “As part of our growth plans, we have a total order of 132 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, of which 87 are firm. The remainder are options and purchase rights. Our order also includes 17 Boeing 737-10s, and we have the possibility to convert some 737-8s to the larger 737-10 model.

“We believe the 737-10 will be a key driver of our future growth. If the certification process progresses as planned and Boeing adheres to its delivery schedule, we expect to introduce the 737-10 into service in 2027. We remain in close contact with Boeing and are closely monitoring developments.”

During 2025, SunExpress expanded its fleet with three newly delivered Boeing 737-8s, with two additional aircraft expected by the end of the year.

Kownatzki emphasised: "We are consistently pushing ahead with the modernisation of our fleet, thus laying the foundation for sustainable, profitable growth,"

Delivery of four more Boeing 737-8 is planned for the first quarter of 2026.

Investing in Training for the Future of Aviation

To address the industry’s growing need for skilled professionals, SunExpress is expanding its pilot and technician training programmes. Last year, in collaboration with Eskişehir Technical University, the airline launched the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Career Development and Support Programme. This year, two additional universities joined the initiative, which aims to train 400 aircraft technicians within the next five years.

Since 2018, SunExpress has also trained 200 pilots through its Multi-Pilot Licence (MPL) programme. Over the next five years, more than 200 Turkish pilots are expected to join the programme. In addition, the installation of a new flight training simulator at the airline’s Antalya headquarters is underway. With a capacity of 500 training hours per month, the simulator will provide pilot candidates with hands-on training opportunities.

For more information visit www.sunexpress.com

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Notes to editors

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.

www.SunExpress.com

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