Turkey's Swan Aviation has acquired a Falcon 900EX and is set to take delivery of a Falcon 7X at the end of this month. Both of these are managed aircraft, and chairman Mehmet Yuksel Hocaoglu says the aircraft will be seamlessly integrated into the company's operation: “Both of these jets are very versatile – they are big performers with super midsize costs.” Despite the aircraft not being completely accepted on to the AOC so far, Swan has already taken several bookings. “In the last 15 days we have generated almost a million dollars worth of charter revenue, so no technical problems so far,” he adds.

Swan now has seven fixed wing aircraft under management – including the 7X – along with one helicopter. The 900EX is configured to fly up to 12 passengers. Hocaoglu feels that the favourable tax regime in Turkey is beginning to attract attention from CIS countries. “In my opinion, if we manage to change a few procedural regulations, Turkey is going to be a new port for those aircraft seeking 'better shelter'.

“At Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, developments in infrastructure are already in process.”

The operator is active in Kazakhstan as an approved JAA training organisation and IATA training centre. It has trained more than 100 aviation personnel in the last six months. Furthermore, Swan has moved to new offices to accommodate the personnel hired during its recent expansion.

Hocaoglu sees an exceptionally bright future for aviation in Turkey: “We are young and agile, we are hungry for success and we don't get tired. Traditionally we are very hospitable. One should come to Istanbul and see what's happening here.”