Çelebi Aviation Expands Kenya Operations Through New Turkish Airlines Partnership
By Editorial Team
NAIROBI, Kenya — Çelebi Aviation is expanding its operations in Kenya through a new agreement with Turkish Airlines that will see the company provide ground handling services for the airline at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
The agreement takes effect on 1 August 2026, marking another step in Çelebi Aviation’s growth strategy in Africa and strengthening its presence at one of East Africa’s key aviation hubs.
Under the partnership, Çelebi Aviation will support Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul-Nairobi-Istanbul flights through passenger services, ramp operations, aircraft turnaround coordination, baggage handling and other ground handling activities.
The operation will cover seven weekly flights, translating to approximately 365 flights annually. Çelebi Aviation expects to handle between 75,000 and 80,000 passengers each year, with a focus on safety, efficiency and reliable service delivery.
Strengthening Its Position in Nairobi
The agreement adds to Çelebi Aviation Kenya’s growing portfolio of international airline customers and further consolidates its operations at JKIA.
The company already provides ground handling services to several airlines operating in different segments, including British Airways, Emirates SkyCargo, Network Airlines and Astral Aviation.
With the addition of Turkish Airlines, Çelebi Aviation says it is deepening its role in supporting Nairobi’s growing position as a regional aviation and connectivity hub.
JKIA serves as an important gateway linking Africa with Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Its strategic position, coupled with Nairobi’s role as a regional business and trade centre, has continued to drive demand for stronger aviation infrastructure and services.
Meanwhile, modernization efforts led by the Kenya Airports Authority are expected to significantly increase the airport’s capacity. Annual passenger capacity is planned to rise from about 7.5 million to 22 million, further positioning JKIA to handle growing regional and international traffic.
Focus on Safety and International Standards
Çelebi Aviation Kenya says its operations are guided by international quality and safety standards. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISAGO and GDP certifications, supporting its handling of passengers, cargo and pharmaceutical logistics.
The certifications are particularly important in the handling of high-value and temperature-sensitive cargo, where safety, security and controlled operating conditions are critical.
In addition, the company is incorporating sustainability into its airport operations through the use of electric ground support equipment, commonly known as e-GSE.
The equipment is intended to reduce emissions and the environmental impact of ground handling activities while supporting wider efforts to make aviation operations more sustainable.
With experienced personnel, modern ground support equipment and coordinated operational systems, Çelebi Aviation Kenya says it is prepared to provide Turkish Airlines with safe and efficient ground handling services.
Partnership Seen as Long-Term Growth Opportunity
Atilla Korkmazoğlu, President of Ground Handling & Cargo, EMEA at Çelebi Aviation, said the partnership demonstrates the maturity of the company’s Kenya operations and the confidence placed in it by international airlines.
“Our collaboration with Turkish Airlines clearly demonstrates the operational maturity of Çelebi Aviation Kenya and the trust we have built with leading international airlines,” Korkmazoğlu said.
He added that the company was pleased to support Turkish Airlines’ Nairobi operations and expected the partnership to create long-term value for both organisations.
Korkmazoğlu further linked the partnership to the ongoing modernization of JKIA, saying improvements at the airport would contribute to the continued growth of the region’s aviation ecosystem.
“With our robust operational infrastructure, international standards and sustainable service approach, we will continue to provide high-quality and reliable ground handling services to Turkish Airlines,” he said.
He described the agreement as not only an important development for Çelebi Aviation’s Kenya operations but also a significant milestone in the company’s wider long-term expansion strategy across Africa.
