New Delhi, 02 June, 2025:
In another setback for Turkey's aviation industry, Air India has officially announced the termination of its maintenance partnership with Turkish Technic, citing public sentiment and rising geopolitical tensions as key factors. The move signals New Delhi’s strong position against sustaining business ties with Turkish firms, amid Ankara’s increasing support for Pakistan in recent conflicts.
On May 30, aviation watchdog DGCA granted IndiGo a one-time final extension of three months for the damp lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines, allowing the arrangement to continue until August 31. However, the regulator has directed the airline to terminate the lease within this extended period.
Air India plans to redirect its wide-body aircraft, currently undergoing heavy maintenance with Turkish Technic, to alternative Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers. This shift is part of a broader strategy to recalibrate operations in light of recent developments concerning Turkey, according to the airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson.
When asked about Air India’s wide-body aircraft being sent to Turkish Technic for maintenance, the airline’s CEO and MD responded by emphasizing that aviation operates within a global business framework and relies on a global supply chain.
Wilson acknowledged the shift, saying, “If there is a concern about continuing to do business in this fashion, then we’ll find alternatives. We want to respect public sentiment.”
Air India has witnessed substantial growth in both passenger and cargo operations since privatisation, according to Wilson. "Again, huge upside, non-stop service into key points around the world, more focus on cargo, better systems, more consistent product delivery, all of these things mean we are a much more credible player in the cargo space. (There is) significant upside opportunity," he said.
Air India currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft, including 64 wide-body jets.
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