Resigned Turkish Airlines chairman says he will not run for parliament in elections

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

AA Photo

The board chairman of Turkish Airlines, Hamdi Topçu, announced his resignation on April 6, but refuted earlier rumors that he would run for parliament for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the June elections.
“I will not run for parliament in the coming elections. I will deal with my own businesses,” Topçu told Doğan News Agency on April 7.

Topçu has been chairman of the national carrier since 2010.

He will be replaced as board chairman of Turkish Airlines by İlker Aycı, the company said in a written statement late on April 6, adding that his resignation came during the company’s general board meeting.

Aycı is a longstanding member of the ruling AKP and founding member of its Istanbul office. He has been chairing the Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency since January 2011.

Born in 1971, Aycı graduated from the Political Science and Public Administration Department of Bilkent University in Ankara, acquiring a graduate degree at Marmara University in Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines is the country’s main aircraft carrier and has received numerous awards including “Europe’s Best Airline Company” for four consecutive years.