Turkish’s plans for B&H Airlines

On October 29, 2008 the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina officially named Turkish Airlines as the new strategic partner of the national carrier B&H Airlines marking the end to a successful privatisation. Despite Turkish’s desires to gain 51% of the airline and therefore become a majority share holder, the airline has made a compromise and has given in to the wishes of the Bosnian government, therefore holding 49% of the airline. Turkish will, at first, invest 5 million Euros in the purchase of new aircraft and will inject a further 5 million for the airline’s development. A new 100 seat jet aircraft should enter the fleet in the spring of 2009, most probably in time for the summer schedule which begins on March 29. By spring 2010 Turkish will add another new aircraft to the national carrier of Bosnia and Herzegovina brining the airline’s fleet size to a total 4. With 2 ATRs operating, two jet engine aircraft would be ideal for the small carrier. Turkish Airlines has agreed to keep all current workers employed in the airline, keep the airline’s name and its headquarters in Sarajevo.

Turkish Airlines is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, expanding its fleet and destination network in recent years significantly. With a network of 140 scheduled destinations and a fleet size of 117 aircraft, Turkish Airlines has recently commenced a tender process for the purchase of another 105 aircraft until the year 2023 with another 30 options.