Turkish Airlines’ brand ambassador, Captain Pilot E.C., became part of degrading conversations about flight attendants in a WhatsApp group he created with colleagues, called “Talented Hostesses.” Documents included in court files revealed the scandal, which could seriously damage the company’s image.
At the Centre of the Scandal: A Pilot and a Flight Attendant
Divorce cases brought before the Istanbul 15th and 16th Family Courts also shed light on a collapse of corporate ethics. Despite being married, Captain Pilot E.C. and flight attendant H.D.T. maintained a secret relationship for three years, documented with evidence. Court files included proof of their regular meetings in a residential complex in Göktürk, footage of them kissing in the airport car park, and hotel records.
The “Talented Hostesses” Group: A Record of Immorality
The most striking aspect of the scandal was the WhatsApp group created by the pilots themselves. In the group, named “Talented Hostesses,” flight attendants were listed by name and spoken about with obscene, immoral remarks. Messages submitted to the court showed that Cömert was an active participant in the group.
Violence, Neglect and an Image Crisis
Cömert’s wife told the court that throughout the marriage she suffered physical and psychological abuse and had to shoulder the full responsibility of childcare. Witness statements confirmed the father’s neglect. The fact that a captain, who serves as a brand ambassador for Turkish Airlines, has been implicated in such allegations poses a serious reputational crisis for the company.
Public attention is now focused on how Turkish Airlines management will respond to these allegations that threaten the airline’s credibility.
