As one of the world’s leading airlines, Turkish Airlines has established itself as a symbol of global connectivity and premium service. At the heart of its operations in Bangladesh is Islam Güre, the General Manager ofDhaka, whose leadership and vision are steering the airline’s growth in this vibrant market. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey, insights into the aviation industry, and the strategies that make Turkish Airlines a standout in Bangladesh and beyond.
Could you share a bit about your background and the journey that led you to your current role with Turkish Airlines?
I’ve been with Turkish Airlines for over a decade, and it’s been an incredible journey. Before my current role in Dhaka, I worked across various departments, including Human Resources and Customer Experience, at our headquarters in Istanbul. My most recent role before Dhaka was Sales and Marketing Manager in St. Petersburg, Russia.
My educational journey started with a degree in public administration to build a strong foundation in management, followed by a Master’s in Air Transport Management, a program developed in partnership with Turkish Airlines and Boeing. These experiences have prepared me to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the Bangladeshi market.
What attracted you to the aviation industry, and what makes your career with Turkish Airlines fulfilling?
The aviation industry has always fascinated me for its dynamic and global nature. While I didn’t initially envision a career in aviation, I was inspired by the idea of working in a sector that connects people and cultures.Turkish Airlines’ reputation for excellence, innovation, and its mission to connect the world is immensely fulfilling.
How do you approach crafting and implementing a growth strategy for Turkish Airlines in Bangladesh?
Growth strategies start with understanding the local market’s unique needs. Just like our strategy across all markets, inBangladesh, we focus on providing seamless connectivity, competitive pricing, and top-tier customer experience. Collaborating with local partners and engaging with the community are vital components of our strategy. By aligning our global strengths with local insights, we aim to sustain and grow our presence in this promising market.
Turkish Airlines recently hosted the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup in Dhaka. How does this event reflect the airline’s commitment to the community?
The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of our connection to the communities we serve. Hosting the event in Dhaka allows us to engage with local audiences, promote the sport, and showcase our commitment to building sincere relationships.
What differentiates Turkish Airlines from other airlines in Bangladesh and the broader region?
Turkish Airlines stands out with its unmatched global connectivity, serving over 350 destinations worldwide. Our award-winning in-flight services, innovative offerings like Stopoverand TourIstanbulprogrammes, and our focus on customer satisfaction set us apart. We aim to provide a seamless and memorable travel experience for every passenger.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for Turkish Airlines in Bangladesh?
We aim to solidify our position as the leading airline in the region by expanding our flight network, enhancing service quality, fostering deeper community connections, and combining our global expertise with local insights.
Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring leaders in the aviation industry?
Focus on continuous learning, adaptability, and building strong relationships. Leadership in aviation requires a clear vision, effective communication, and the ability to inspire others. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and always prioritize customer satisfaction.
