Turkey’s second biggest airline revealed strong financial and operating performances for last year. Low cost carrier Pegasus Airlines increased its passenger numbers by 15% in 2017 to nearly 28 million people, while simultaneously growing its turnover by 44% to TL 5.3 billion, while its annual net profit for the year was TL 0.5 billion. The results were posted on Turkey’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP).
Of its 27.82 million guests last year, most – 16.89 million – were for its domestic routes in Turkey, while 10.45 million travelled on Pegasus’ international flights. There was year-on-year growth for both markets, with passenger numbers in Turkey up by 10.5% from 2016, while those flying on international routes grew by 21.7%.
The company continues to plough back into the business, announcing it is extending its fleet, with 10 new Airbus being added to its existing 75 aircraft. The first of the ten new A321neo was delivered to Pegasus last month.
“passenger numbers in Turkey up 10.5% from 2016, international routes grew by 21.7%”
Commenting on the difficult trading conditions of the past few years, Pegasus Airlines CEO Mehmet T. Nane said, “Since last year, we have been saying that we predict real growth will begin in 2018. The positive trends in the sector and our own company confirm our beliefs. The figures show that we are heading in the right direction.
“The civil aviation sector is in a much better position generally and has managed to shake off the negative impact of the past few years. We have complete confidence in Turkey’s economy, civil aviation and tourism potential.”
Nane added, “In 2018, Pegasus aims to increase its guest numbers and capacity by between 11 and 13%.’’
The carrier is also investing heavily into new technology that it believed will enhance its customer services. According to CEO Nane, Pegasus wants to be “ranked among the top 10 airlines globally with regard to technology use.”
The airline is currently in the process of deploying cutting-edge technology to optimise all points of contact with guests, enabling them to have faster and more efficient access to Pegasus’ services, from its website and mobile sales channels, to better booking screens for travel agencies those used at check-in desks.
Launched in 1990 and acquired by ESAS Holding in 2005, Pegasus Airlines remains Turkey’s leading low-cost airline. It flies to 108 destinations: 38 in Turkey and 70 international destinations in 41 countries across Europe, Russia and the Caucasus, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. In 2012, Pegasus made the single largest-ever aircraft order in Turkish civil aviation history when it ordered 100 new Airbus aircraft valued at some US$12 billion (list price).
