Bengaluru, 16 September 2024: Flag carrier brand received the “European Supported Finance Deal of the Year” and “European Overall Deal of the Year” awards while Turkish Airlines’ Member of the Board and the Executive Committee and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker won the “European CFO of the Year” award at the ceremony held by “Airline Economics” in London on 9th September.
Flying to more countries than any other airline, Turkish Airlines is able to extend its financier base geographically by taking advantage of cost efficiency while minimizing currency risks thanks to its diversified revenue structure. Recent addition of a new currency to its financing portfolio with the financing of three Airbus A350 aircraft in Chinese Yuan by AVIC International Leasing and CCB Financial Leasing was deemed worthy of “European Overall Deal of the Year” award.
Furthermore, Turkish Airlines’ financing of two Airbus A350 aircraft with an ECA guaranteed JOLCO structure in Japanese Yen provided by BNP Paribas & Citibank and NTT TC Leasing consortium received “European Supported Finance Deal of the Year” award, showing the airline’s well-established position in the Japanese market since 2007.
Turkish Airlines’ Member of the Board and the Executive Committee, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker, was awarded with title of “European CFO of the Year.” This recognition underscores his financial leadership, strategic vision, and deep expertise, which have been central to Turkish Airlines’ sustained growth and success over many years. Assoc. Prof. Şeker’s contributions have not only strengthened the Turkish Airline’s financial health but also have supported its strategic initiatives, enabling the airline to excel in a competitive and volatile market environment. Starting his tenure as CFO of Turkish Airlines in 2016, he has been critical in optimizing financial operations, managing risks, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that have helped the company to achieve significant milestones and maintain its competitive edge on the global stage.
Representing the national flag carrier at the awards ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker said; “I am truly honored to receive these awards and grateful to be a part of the strong Turkish Airlines family. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone at the airline and I am confident that the national flag carrier will continue to achieve every step towards its strategic goals.”
Turkish Airlines aircraft financing team achieves one of the lowest financing costs in the airline industry with its experienced staff who has a comprehensive knowledge on a large array of aircraft financing structures. The national flag carrier has been deemed worthy of many financing awards by world-renowned organizations such as ‘Global Transport Finance’ and ‘Airline Economics’, ‘Airfinance Journal’, and ‘Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey’ with its creative financing models, many of which have been implemented for the first time, since 2009.