Turkish Airlines

A. The main facts about the activities of the company.

Turkish Airlines is the leading flag carrier airline of Turkey, headquartered in Istanbul. It operates scheduled services to 187 international and 35 domestic airports, serving a total of 222 airports, in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as of April 2013. With an increase to 99 destination countries, the carrier’s destination network from one hub is the world’s largest. Also with 222 destination numbers, the airline 4th biggest carrier in the world by number of destinations. Apart from these successful numbers, Turkish Airlines is widely known for its sponsorships for Euroleague Basketball and famous football teams such as FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.

In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 THY carried 17.0 million, 19.7 million, 22.5 million, 25.1 million, 29 million, 32.6 million and 39 million passengers with total revenues of US$2.23, $3.0, $4.5, $4.0, $5.6, $7.1 and $9.0 billion, respectively. The airline has approximately 16,000 employees. It has been a member of the Star Alliance network since 1 April 2008. Company also owns or co-owns other companies such as AnadoluJet, SunExpress, THY Turkish Technic, THY Turkish DO & CO, Turkish Ground Services, HABOM Aviation Maintenance Repair and Modification Center, Turkish OPET Aviation Fuels, Pratt&Whitney THY Turkish Engine Center (TEC), Goodrich Turkish Airlines Technical Service Center, Turkish Cabin Interior Systems Industries Inc., Aircraft Seat Manufacturing Industry & Trade Inc., TURKBINE Technical Gas Turbines Maintenance & Repair Inc. and THY Aydın Çıldır Airport Management Inc.

B. The Ethical challenges this company is addressing.

Due to the firm’s operations, the most significant problematic area is environment and carbon emissions. Aircrafts consume huge amounts of fuel and release carbon.

Providing and maintaining a level security in its services is one of the most important responsibilities.

In addition, the company has responsibility towards its customers, employees and society, just like any other company.

C. What makes you believe this company is really ethical and why you trust it?

Turkish Airlines puts efforts to decrease environmental damage. During 2012 there was a decline of 21,800 tons in the amount of fuel consumed, while the amount of CO2 generated decreased by approximately 68,700 tons.

Company works on most efficient use of fuels, and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while never losing sight of flight safety. These efforts resulted in a year-on-year decline of 21,800 tons in the amount of fuel consumed, while the amount of CO2 generated decreased by approximately 68,700 tons. These gains were achieved largely through more efficient in flight piloting practices, as well as through a significant reduction in total aircraft weight by only taking on as much fuel as necessary for a flight.

Turkish Airlines complies with European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) and its regulations. Under this emission-trading scheme, airlines must buy Carbon Credits in the market in situations where they exceed the maximum carbon emission limit prescribed by the authorities to which they are responsible. Within this scope, and as one that executes EUA, EUAA, ERU and CER transactions, the Company has obtained certificates to be used within certain periods.

Turkish Ground Services (TGS), which is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and HAVAS (an airport ground handling services company), besides having some quality and management certifications, also emphasizes social and environmental aspects of quality, having obtained Airports Friendly to the Disabled Certification and Green Airport Certification.

The company also uses its facilities to respond to the society’s needs in times of trouble. For example, in 2011, when an earthquake in the east of Turkey happened, THY added 10 flights in 2 hours to the area to transport Search & Rescue teams and doctors. Then they sent 7 cargo plains to the area to transport food and all other required materials.

Again, in 2011, when there was a drought in Somalia, Turkish Airlines employees, like employees of other companies, started a campaign to collect money, food and other scarce items. The company than transported these 165 tones goods to Somalia free of charge. Company provided aid jointly with Turkish Red Crescent in the times of similar disasters in Turkey as well as internationally.

As part of its Social Responsibility activities, the firm started a campaign in 2012 to plant a tree for each child between the ages of 0-2 travelling with THY. They also provide the opportunity for other travellers to make a contribution to the project by paying a small fee. THY also gives transport sponsorships to cultural and educational activities.

D.The possible challenges facing the company in the future and how you think this company may improve.

The aforementioned challenges will continue to be faced by company in the future. In addition, improving technology and higher levels of competition these challenges will become harder. The company may be tempted to lower its security standards in order to increase profitability but regulations against this problem may be helpful in maintaining a required level of safety. Of course, it’s just as important for the company to exercise its ethical values when facing this challenge.