iGA Istanbul Airport COO Mehmet Büyükkaytan transformed the airport into a global mega hub with operational excellence, digital transformation, and sustainability strategies.
A Critical Role in Global Success
Chief Operating Officers (COO), who are among the key drivers of corporate excellence, play a crucial role in the success of large-scale organizations. One of the prominent names in this field in Türkiye, Mehmet Büyükkaytan stood out with his leadership in turning iGA Istanbul Airport into a global aviation hub.
A Massive Operation Built from Scratch
During his nearly 10-year tenure, Mehmet Büyükkaytan led the process that transformed iGA Istanbul Airport from a national project into a global mega hub. Without taking over an existing operational structure, all systems, processes, and teams were built from scratch.
In this process, global aviation experience was combined with local expertise to build an organization with high standards.
A Global Position in Operational Excellence
According to international reports, iGA Istanbul Airport ranks among the top worldwide in operational performance. In particular, it outperforms many European airports with an on-time performance (OTP) rate above 80%.
Handling more than 1,500 flights per day, the airport stands out as one of the busiest transit hubs in the world.
Safety and Discipline as a Priority
Safety lies at the core of the operational model. Runway management, apron discipline, foreign object control, and ground handling coordination are among the key elements of the system.
Scenario-based planning and crisis management, especially during winter conditions, play a critical role in ensuring operational continuity.
High Standards in Baggage and Service Quality
Thanks to its 42-kilometre automated baggage system, iGA Istanbul Airport delivers performance well below the European average in lost baggage rates. This is one of the key factors enhancing passenger satisfaction.
Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Integration
A data-driven management approach is adopted at the airport, with operations optimized through AI-powered systems. These technologies played a decisive role in the transition to a three-runway operational system.
With a fourth runway planned to be commissioned in the near future, the aim is to further increase capacity.
Global Leadership in Sustainability
iGA Istanbul Airport is also pioneering environmental sustainability projects. By meeting its electricity needs with a solar power plant established in Eskişehir, the airport is progressing towards its net-zero emissions target for 2050.
Additionally, initiatives such as increasing recycling rates and expanding the use of electric vehicles stand out.
Collaborative and Integrated Management Model
An integrated management model is implemented in airport operations among airlines, ground handling companies, and regulatory authorities. With the A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) system, all stakeholders coordinate through shared data.
Türkiye’s Global Showcase
iGA Istanbul Airport stands out as one of Türkiye’s most important transportation and prestige projects on the international stage. As the “first and last point of impression” for passengers, the airport aims to exceed global standards through service quality and operational discipline. (arabianworldmagazine.ae)
