Corendon Airlines Chairman Yıldıray Karaer spoke to Yeni Alanya about developments in the tourism and aviation sectors, as well as the airline’s investment and growth plans.
Founded in Antalya, Corendon Airlines has transformed into a global brand over the past 20 years. Karaer said the company’s priority remains growth through new investments despite rising costs.
“Our goal has always been to grow through new investments. Rising costs due to the war affected us negatively this year as well. There has been significant downsizing across the sector, but we have never given up on our growth target,” Karaer said.
Karaer calls for urgent action on sea pollution
Karaer also highlighted rising costs linked to foreign exchange rates in the tourism sector, while identifying sea pollution as an even more important issue.
He said pollution had started to emerge along the coastline from Alanya to Kemer and called for the issue to be addressed urgently.
“We sell sea, sand and sun. If we destroy the sea, there will be nothing left to market. This problem must be solved urgently with an approach above politics. Otherwise, we could lose tourists to other countries,” Karaer said.
Corendon plans a hotel ınvestment in Alanya
Karaer also confirmed that Corendon is working on a potential hotel investment in Alanya.
“We have a plan for a hotel investment in Alanya with a different concept. Our work on this project is continuing,” he said.
Antalya-Alanya highway seen as key for regional growth
Karaer emphasized the importance of Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP), noting that Corendon Airlines was the first airline to operate flights to the airport.
He said the airport needs to grow and reach its full potential, while acknowledging the operational difficulties of the facility in its current form.
“The Antalya-Alanya highway needs to be completed and opened. If this happens, there will be a major leap forward for Alanya and Gazipaşa,” Karaer said.
Corendon continues ıts support for Alanyaspor
Karaer also highlighted Corendon Airlines’ relationship with Alanyaspor, for which the company has been the naming sponsor for the past three years.
“We have almost become synonymous with Alanyaspor. We are happy with this support. I am invited to all the matches, but unfortunately, due to my schedule, I cannot attend most of them. Our hearts are with Alanyaspor. We are happy when they win and sad when they lose,” he said.
