Cenk Gökan, the founder of Plures Air, predicts that Turkey will become a leader in air taxi services within the next ten years. Notable figures such as Saudi Arabian King Mohammed bin Salman and former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu are among Gökan’s clients.
Cancer Changed His Career Plans
Edirne entrepreneur Cenk Gökan shared that being diagnosed with cancer at a young age completely changed his life plans. He started his aviation career at an aviation company established at Çorlu Airport. “I began my job from the very bottom by noting the cargo numbers of incoming planes,” said Gökan, who soon found success and moved to work in Istanbul.
Establishment of Plures Air
Gökan organized strategic flights between Turkey and Libya and founded Plures Air in 2012. Today, the company has 30 employees, three offices, and owns a business jet. It provides representation and oversight services to accredited foreign companies by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority.
Importance of Air Taxi Services
As the spokesperson for the Air Taxi Operators Association, Gökan shared his views on the development of civil aviation in Turkey. He noted that only 15% of Turkey’s 150 planes are fully utilized as commercial aircraft and that efforts are underway to increase awareness of air taxis.
Insufficient Number of Commercial Aircraft
Gökan highlighted the low number of aircraft available for commercial operation in Turkey, noting that planes are usually sourced from Germany, Malta, and Austria. “We developed the business of leasing the boss’s plane and formalized it. The monthly cost of an idle plane is $50,000,” he said.
International and Domestic Flights
Gökan stated that they perform between 250-300 flights annually, with 70% of these being international. He noted heavy flight activity to countries like Germany, Libya, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Greece. The cost of a flight starts at a minimum of $2,500.
Goal: $40 Billion Market by 2030
Gökan emphasized that Turkey will become a significant player in civil aviation within ten years. “We are talking about a $30 billion market worldwide, expected to reach $40 billion by 2030. Turkey’s share is between 1-1.5%. By increasing the number of our aircraft and improving our operational capabilities, we can generate more foreign exchange for the country,” he said.
Celebrity Clients and Air Taxi Service
Gökan mentioned that they serve many celebrities from the art, politics, and sports worlds. Their clients include Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Ekrem İmamoğlu, Bülent Eczacıbaşı, Sadettin Saran, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İlkay Gündoğan, Melih Demiral, Mustafa Sandal, Haluk Levent, and Reynmen.
Special Service for the Saudi Arabian King
Gökan recounted providing services to Saudi Arabian King Mohammed bin Salman: “We took two VIP planes to the Maldives upon request from Saudi Arabia and stayed there for 10 days. All permits were obtained, and we learned that the person renting was the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
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