AJet, Turkish Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, is launching a new initiative to considerably boost Turkey’s health tourism sector, especially in dental and eye care.Chairman Ahmet Bolat announced plans to target European and Middle Eastern travelers with affordable, high-quality medical packages, aiming to add $1.5 billion to teh country’s existing $3.5 billion in health tourism revenue. The strategy underscores AJet’s broader expansion, which includes fleet modernization, new routes, and enhanced partnerships, as the carrier anticipates substantial passenger growth in the coming years. Bolat unveiled these details during a recent press briefing outlining the airline’s future direction and strong financial performance.
AJet, Turkish Airlines’ low-cost carrier, is targeting a $1.5 billion boost to the country’s health tourism revenue with a new program focused on dental and eye care, according to Chairman Ahmet Bolat.
AJet is betting on the growing demand for affordable, high-quality medical procedures to attract international patients, particularly from Europe and the Middle East. Bolat revealed the plans during a recent press briefing, outlining the airline’s expansion strategy and financial performance.
Currently operating a fleet of 85 aircraft and employing over 3,200 people, including 500 pilots, AJet served 23 million passengers this year, flying to 100 cities across 34 countries. The airline operates 158 routes with 1,627 weekly frequencies.
Looking ahead, AJet anticipates carrying 28 million passengers in the coming year, adding three new countries – Moldova, Romania, and Jordan – to its network. Weekly flight frequency is projected to increase by approximately 15% to 1,992. The airline has set a longer-term goal of reaching 56 million passengers by 2033.
AJet primarily operates flights from Ankara and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, with Bodrum serving as a key connection to international destinations. The airline currently flies to 27 European countries from Istanbul, 17 from Ankara, and 16 Middle Eastern countries from Sabiha Gökçen, as well as 7 Middle Eastern countries from Ankara. New routes are planned, with 7 additions from Ankara Esenboğa Airport and 11 from Sabiha Gökçen in 2025, followed by 8 more from Ankara and 15 from Sabiha Gökçen in 2026. Bolat noted that expanding service from Ankara is hampered by limitations on flight rights in Europe.
“We are working on new tour packages,” Bolat stated, detailing plans to fly from Bodrum to 14 countries and 23 cities, with a focus on boosting tourism revenue.
The airline is developing itineraries designed to encourage visitors to explore multiple regions within Turkey, including a new route from Ankara to Kayseri, Cappadocia, and Kütahya. AJet is also working to extend the average length of stay in Cappadocia, currently averaging two hotel nights. Additionally, the company is creating projects to encourage tourists arriving at Sabiha Gökçen from the Middle East to visit the Bursa and Yalova regions.
Turkey currently attracts 1.5 million medical tourists, generating $3.5 billion in revenue.
“We are working to make Turkey a brand in dental and eye treatment as well,” Bolat emphasized. He described a program targeting European travelers, offering a Friday-start weekend getaway for dental procedures. “Especially from Europe, they will come on Friday, get their teeth done, and leave. We have launched a study to create a brand in dental and eye care. The state provides complication insurance for health services. We offer this guarantee. Come to Turkey instead of waiting a long time in a hospital in Europe. You will get your treatment faster than emergency services there.”
Bolat believes this initiative could add $1.5 billion to the country’s existing $3.5 billion in health tourism revenue. He highlighted the availability of high-quality dental clinics in Turkey, offering services comparable to those in the U.S. and Europe at more competitive prices. AJet plans to offer flexible treatment packages, allowing customers to extend their stays as needed.
The airline intends to partner with influencers from Europe and the Middle East, providing them with dental and eye care services and encouraging them to share their experiences with their audiences. “We will continue to bring in high-value passengers,” Bolat added.
AJet’s fleet is expected to grow to 107 aircraft by 2026, with 76% of the fleet consisting of new-generation aircraft. This modernization will result in fuel and maintenance savings, which the airline plans to pass on to customers through lower ticket prices.
The airline’s on-time performance has improved from 75% last year to 80% this year, exceeding the European average of 69%. AJet’s reservation system is entirely domestically developed. The carrier will also continue to offer complimentary water service on all flights, mirroring its policy on domestic routes.
AJet is also strengthening its collaboration with Turkish Airlines (THY), including plans to allow frequent flyer miles to be redeemed across both carriers starting in the second half of 2026.
Starting in March 2026, AJet will offer domestically sourced in-flight internet connectivity through TÜRKSAT, with plans to expand the service across the entire fleet.
Bolat expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We anticipate the positive momentum to continue in 2026. Currently, both THY and AJet are seeing positive booking trends.” A new lounge offering expedited security and check-in services will open at Sabiha Gökçen Airport in March, with a launch price of approximately $30.
Regarding staffing, Bolat noted a sufficient supply of certified pilots in Turkey, with a reversal of the previous trend of pilots seeking opportunities abroad. However, he acknowledged a shortage of qualified technicians and is working with schools to address the issue.
(Milliyet)
