Atlasjet to found new airlines in 3 countries

MADRID - Reuters

DAILY NEWS photo, Hasan ALTINIŞIK

Turkish private air carrier Atlasjet is planning to start up airline companies in Saudi Arabia, Russia and South Sudan in the upcoming year, expanding its overseas presence.

The company aims to double its current size in two years, Atlasjet CEO Sami Alan was quoted as saying in a written statement released by the company on July 24.

The company has already founded three airlines: Kyrgyz Airlines in Kyrgyzstan, Jet One in Kazakhstan and Zagrosjet in northern Iraq.

With the additions, Atlasjet’s fleet will grow by 40 percent by the end of the year.

Alan said the company was mulling whether to become the official national carrier or just a strong tourist airline in the countries in question.

Kyrgyz Airlines is expected to begin flights on Sept. 9, while Jet One will begin operations on Nov. 8. Zagrosjet is also expected to take flight in September, but no precise date has been set.