25 Years in the Skies

As Freebird Airlines celebrates its 25th anniversary, we take pride in the journey taken since our inaugural flight on 5 April 2001. By being a member of Gözen Holding – a pioneer, in Turkish aviation since 1979; our first flight took off at 18:27 UTC from Istanbul to Lyon. Over the years, Freebird Airlines has evolved from a young carrier taking its first steps in the skies into a key player in leisure aviation—driven by innovation, reliability, and a distinctive identity that connects people, cultures, and destinations across Europe and Türkiye. 

Starting with a fleet of three MD 83 aircraft, we gradually expanded our operations and strengthened our position within Turkish Civil Aviation. In 2003, our transition into a modern Airbus A320 fleet commenced, followed by the introduction of our iconic multicolored tail designs, symbolizing the diversity of our passengers, crew, and destinations. 

Over the years, Freebird Airlines has become a trusted partner for leading European tour operators, playing a key role in connecting millions of holidaymakers with the most popular destinations. In 2019, our network has been expanded by establishing Freebird Airlines Europe, registered in Malta.  After two decades of successfully operating charter flights, we launched our scheduled services in between Europe and Türkiye in 2022, opening a new chapter in our journey. With this extensive network, today we serve more than 120 destinations, thanks to our committed team of employees, delivering seamless and exceptional travel experiences across Europe and Türkiye. 

Driven by innovation and international expansion, our growth strategy has enabled us to reach several important industry milestones. Freebird Airlines became the first Turkish airline to receive the ISO 9001:2000 certification in 2002 and the first private airline to obtain IOSA safety certification in 2006. In 2012, our commitment to sustainability was further strengthened by launching the EFB-2 system, becoming the second operator in Europe to implement a paperless cockpit project. Our company was also the first private airline in Türkiye to receive the Airworthiness Review Authority under SHY-M in 2016. Building on this foundation, we continue to invest in passenger safety, travel experience, and customer satisfaction. With the renewed design and enhanced user experience of our website and mobile app, we strive to elevate the passenger journey from the very first touchpoint to the final landing, making every journey seamless, intuitive and memorable. 

Today, Freebird Airlines operate through Turkish and European Air Operator Certificates, with a fleet of 14 Airbus A320 aircraft and over 850 dedicated employees. As one of the long-established airlines in Turkish civil aviation, we proudly carry forward our heritage, colorful identity and inclusive spirit.  

While celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2026, Freebird Airlines remain committed to sustainability, innovation, safety, and delivering joyful travel experiences for generations of travelers to come. 

Selim Tükenmez 

Managing Director 

Freebird Airlines