Turkish Airlines (THY) has signed agreements for new flight simulators and joined a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) fund, according to a report by Daily Sabah. The moves aim to bolster pilot training capacity and support the airline's long-term environmental goals.
The carrier inked deals for multiple full-flight simulators, which will be installed at its training center in Istanbul. The simulators are expected to enter service in the coming months, helping THY meet growing demand for pilot training as it expands its fleet and route network.
Separately, THY became a participant in a sustainable aviation fuel fund, committing financial resources to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF. The fund is part of broader industry efforts to reduce aviation's carbon footprint, with SAF seen as a key lever for cutting lifecycle CO2 emissions.
Why it matters
For the travel trade, THY's dual investment signals two strategic priorities: operational scale and environmental compliance. The simulator expansion suggests the airline is preparing for sustained fleet growth, which will increase seat capacity on key routes from Türkiye to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Tour operators and DMCs relying on THY for inbound traffic can expect continued network development.
On the sustainability front, THY's SAF fund participation aligns with tightening regulatory frameworks such as the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation mandate, which will require increasing SAF blending from 2025 onward. By securing early access to SAF supply and influencing production, THY positions itself to meet compliance targets and potentially offer lower-carbon cargo and passenger services — a growing differentiator for corporate clients and environmentally conscious travellers.
However, the financial details of both the simulator deals and the SAF fund contribution were not disclosed, making it difficult to assess the near-term impact on THY's cost base or ticket pricing.
