We are currently at a civilian fair, but I will also have questions for military aviation. One of the agenda items for Turkey is Eurofighter. What is the situation in Turkey from the Airbus perspective?
Airbus plays a major role in the implementation of the Eurofighter project. Eurofighter is also a consortium. It consists of England, Germany, Italy and Spain. In addition to Airbus, it consists of BAE Systems and Leonardo. Each company has different duties. For example, BAE Systems is responsible for finding new customers and making contracts. Airbus is providing serious support both to the development of the project and to Turkey's step towards Eurofighter as an important partner. There is also the export permit aspect of the business. Airbus is providing great support to these efforts in order to overcome political problems. We may see Eurofighter in Turkey soon.
Türkiye is also a major user of the A400M military transport aircraft. The Turkish Air Force is also pleased with the aircraft. Is there any progress on a new order?
The Turkish Air Force is pleased with the planes. They use them very well. They offer significant flexibility for missions to be carried out. But the main problem in such projects is money and budget. Like the rest of the world, Turkey is tightening its belts regarding budget. However, right now, the primary project for Türkiye is a fighter jet.
There were studies on Spain transferring some of its A400M orders to Turkey and giving HÜRJET in return. In fact, TAI recently sent HÜRJET to Spain. What do you think about these developments?
I do not have much information about the details of the subject. Because this is a step taken between the two countries. Such steps are being taken between Turkey and Spain. Spain is negotiating to give some of its A400M orders to Turkey and Turkey is negotiating to sell HÜRJET. But this step is between the two countries.
My last question will be about Turkey's tanker aircraft project. When I interviewed you at İDEF last year, you drew attention to the fact that Airbus also offered Turkey a tanker aircraft to be developed from A330neos.
Turkey has a plan to purchase 7 aircraft to renew its current tanker fleet. The second most important project of the Turkish Air Force, after the fighter plane, is the tanker plane. This is a detailed project. We are discussing many issues such as new or second-hand aircraft, engine options.
How do you see Turkey's regional aviation market for the Airbus A220?
First of all, airlines can use these aircraft on what we call narrow and long routes, flights with low passenger numbers and an average of 4 hours. These types of aircraft are very suitable for Turkey. Because Turkey is the center of the world. Routes can be opened and developed with these aircraft and then lines can be developed for larger aircraft such as A320-A321neo.
Turkish Airlines is growing on the Australian route in long-range flights. Sydney flights will start soon. What are the features of the A350-1000 model that Airbus will deliver compared to the current A350-900s?
First of all, THY will be one of the world's largest A350 users. We are proud that THY's long-range fleet consists of A350s. The issue of Australia is a very exciting step. The start of direct flights is very important for expats living here. As Airbus, we will start delivering the first A350-1000 model as of next year. An important gap will be filled with the delivery of the aircraft. When we compare the A350-900 and 1000 series, the new aircraft has a much longer fuselage. Its fuel tanks are larger and it has a different engine. In this respect, the aircraft are of great importance for non-stop flights from Melbourne to Sydney.
Will there be a difference between the A350-1000 series that THY will receive and the standard A350-1000 that you produce? Will there be extra fuel tanks?
No, these will be standard A350-1000s. They will carry passengers, cargo and fuel within normal standards.
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