Aviation giants looking for Turkish contractors: Association

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

REUTERS photo

The world’s aviation and defense giants, including Boeing, Airbus and Thyssen-Krupp, are looking into Turkish contractors for cooperation opportunities, according to an executive of an Istanbul-based defense industry umbrella organization. 

“Aviation giants have turned their faces to Turkey. They are looking for suppliers in the country. Actually, these firms are looking for everything,” said İlhami Keleş, the secretary general of the Defense and Aviation Cluster Saha Istanbul (SAHA Istanbul). 

An “exceptional” Boeing team of 20 buyers recently met with representatives of 80 Turkish companies, he told the state-run Anadolu Agency. 

“Presentations and mutual talks were held here [Istanbul],” he told Anadolu Agency, adding that Boeing invites the companies they are interested in cooperating with. 

Boeing only produces the wings of its planes and outsources the other parts. 

“Boeing wants to broaden its chain of suppliers, meaning it has cheaper purchase opportunities and it takes measures against risks. This is why they came to Turkey. Boeing is looking for Turkish suppliers,” Keleş added. 

Turkey is already producing some parts such as galleys, seats, some composite walls for Boeing and are in talks for some other components such as carpets, Keleş said. 

The aviation expert said that similar talks will be carried out with representatives from Airbus, jet engine maker Rolls-Royce and helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky. 

Before the Boeing meeting, talks were held with executives from the German submarine producer Thyssen-Krupp, he said. 

Officials from the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and the rocket manufacturing company Roketsan have inspected the facilities of SAHA Istanbul members. 

Some 194 companies, including Turkish Technic, Kale and Bayraktar & Kordsa, co-founded SAHA Istanbul, which works on developing business opportunities and back companies that seek international certification rights in cooperation with universities.
A new Istanbul airport, which is planned to be opened in 2018, will contribute to the city as a flight hub. 

Turkish Technic has taken serious steps in plane maintenance and repair in recent years and has started producing crucial parts.