The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has proposed forming a strategic partnership model with Turkish Airlines (THY). This proposal is based on a cooperation model inspired by Air Albania, Albania’s national carrier. In a joint statement, Dr. Muhammet Yaşarata, Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in the UK; Turgay Deniz, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce; Dimağ Çağıner, President of the Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association; Ali Kamacıoğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry; Orhan Tolun, President of the Turkish Cypriot Tourism and Travel Agents Association; Cafer Gürcafer, President of the Turkish Cypriot Economic Platform; and Hasan Sungur, President of the Turkish Cypriot Real Estate Agents Association, emphasized that this model, successfully implemented in Albania, could be a good example for strengthening TRNC’s tourism, trade, and economic relations.
Air Albania Model as an Example
The TRNC and UK organizations highlighted that the Air Albania model serves as an important example for establishing a collaboration model that can more effectively harness Northern Cyprus’s tourism and economic potential. It was noted that such collaborations, supported by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, present significant opportunities for Northern Cyprus.
The Role of Turkish Airlines
According to recent reports, THY Chairman Ahmet Bolat mentioned that under the auspices of Turkish President Erdoğan, discussions with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama led to agreements on Air Albania’s growth strategies. Bolat said, “We aim to significantly increase Albania’s tourist numbers, which reached 10 million in 2023, through the actions we will take.”
TRNC’s Vision and Strategic Move for Economic Development
Dr. Muhammet Yaşarata stated, “For TRNC to achieve a more effective position in the tourism and trade sectors, forming a cooperation model similar to THY’s Air Albania model is of great importance. This model will support tourism, strengthen connections between countries, and contribute to economic development. With President Erdoğan’s support, the successful implementation of this model with Air Albania provides a valuable precedent. By leveraging a similar partnership, TRNC can more effectively capitalize on its tourism potential. By establishing a special or state-supported airline partnership with the UK and other countries, we can better plan for transporting tourists, diaspora, and students. This initiative will provide more affordable transportation and positively contribute to TRNC’s economic prosperity. Ultimately, by creating a national airline, we aim not only to lead the transformation in the transportation sector but also in TRNC’s overall economic and social structure. I want to emphasize that business people in the UK are ready to support this initiative.”
Dimağ Çağıner added, “It’s time to take a significant step towards maximizing TRNC’s tourism potential and attracting more tourists to the country. Currently, high airfare prices and limited flight options restrict access to TRNC for tourists and our citizens living abroad. Implementing a cooperation model similar to THY’s Air Albania model can address these challenges and revitalize the tourism sector. This way, tourists, our citizens living abroad, and students can reach TRNC more easily and affordably. With President Erdoğan’s support, a similar partnership with THY can better leverage TRNC’s tourism potential.”
Orhan Tolun said, “Strengthening airline connections is essential for TRNC to become more competitive in the tourism sector. This cooperation will enable tourists and travel agents to travel at more affordable prices, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.”
Cafer Gürcafer remarked, “The construction sector is of great importance for TRNC’s economic development. However, high airfare prices and limited flight options pose a serious obstacle for the business world. A partnership similar to THY’s Air Albania model will strengthen business connections in the construction sector and contribute to TRNC’s economic development.”
Hasan Sungur noted, “The real estate sector in TRNC has significant potential for economic growth and investment. However, limited airline connections make it difficult for tourists and investors to reach TRNC. THY’s Air Albania model can provide an effective solution to this problem and support the real estate sector, attracting new investments to the country.”
Turgay Deniz, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, said, “New and innovative strategies are needed to develop Northern Cyprus’s economic and commercial activities. A partnership similar to THY’s Air Albania model can revitalize not only tourism but also general trade activities. More business people and investors coming to Northern Cyprus will create new opportunities for the business world. This model will contribute to our economic growth and strengthen our commercial relationships.”
Ali Kamacıoğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry, supported this proposal, saying, “The industrial sector plays a key role in TRNC’s economic development. However, transportation costs and limited flight options negatively affect our sector. A partnership similar to THY’s Air Albania model can increase exports of our industrial products and allow us to enter new markets. This cooperation will contribute to the growth of our industrial sector and enhance our international competitiveness.”
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