Boeing launches technology center in Turkey's Istanbul

Özgür Korkmaz - ISTANBUL

Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, has launched a technology and engineering center in Istanbul.

The center, located in Istanbul’s Teknopark, was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by İsmail Demir, the head of the Defense Industry.

The event was part of the “Boeing Turkey Technology Day.”

“With this center, Boeing has taken an important step forward in Turkey. We, as the Turkish defense industry, are ready to work with Boeing on projects that are based on the “win-win” principle and create added value,” Demir said.

Demir noted that Boeing has subcontracted certain projects to local companies including the Turkish Aerospace Industries.

“Our companies are only producing parts for Boeing but we need to go beyond this, we need to raise the bar. The inauguration of the Boeing Turkey Engineering and Technology Center is a step taken toward this direction. Turkey should not be only a country that serves as a subcontractor but a country that produces for the supply chain,” Demir added.

For her part, Ayşem Sargın, Boeing Turkey General Manager said that Turkey is among the country where Boeing targets strategic growth.

“Boeing sees Turkey as a production base and a technology partner. We believe Turkey has a strong potential to contribute to the global civilian aviation industry,” Sargın added.

Marc Allen, the president of Boeing International also addressed the attendees via video link.

The center will carry out research, engineering and design projects for Boeing’s new generation airplanes working together with talented Turkish engineers.