Istanbul, April 24 – The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is currently holding its 80th conference in Istanbul, bringing together 305 pilots from 51 countries. The event, hosted by the Turkish Air Line Pilots’ Association (TALPA) from April 23 to 26, focuses on enhancing global aviation safety and advocating for pilot rights. A central theme of the conference is the urgent call for the implementation of an Aviation Profession Law.
Discussions on Social Rights and Working Conditions
Key topics discussed during the conference include the issuance of special passports for pilots, the creation of a sector-specific labor law for the aviation industry, and regulations concerning additional service periods for pilots. Following the opening speeches, TALPA President Captain Okan Üreksoy addressed the press, highlighting the significance of the conference.
“IFALPA, representing over 160,000 pilots in more than 70 countries worldwide, organizes a conference in a different country each year. These conferences discuss issues such as the piloting profession, flight safety, and personal rights, and offer recommendations and solutions. Our association, TALPA, is a member of this federation. We are excited to host the IFALPA conference in Istanbul again after 20 years,” said Captain Üreksoy.
Üreksoy emphasized the current lack of a specific law for aviation, stating, “Today, a significant portion of flying personnel working in the aviation sector may be subject to unequal practices in terms of severance pay, job security, standard working conditions, and social rights. The implementation of an Aviation Profession Law that clearly defines the working life of flying personnel with their rights, responsibilities, and obligations, considers sector-specific risks, and is compatible with international standards, is now an unpostponable necessity.”
Turkish Female Pilots Lead Globally in Proportion
Captain Üreksoy and IFALPA President Captain Ron Hay also answered questions from the press. Regarding the number of female pilots, Üreksoy proudly stated, “I can proudly say that the number of female pilots in Turkey is proportionally much higher than in many countries around the world. Globally, it is 5 percent, in Turkey it is 7 percent. The number one is India with 18 percent.”
When asked about the impact of conflicts in the Middle East on aviation, Hay responded, “In conflict zones, pilots are forced to fly. In this regard, the final decision rests with the captain. Just as a captain does not fly or land in a weather event, they should also have the right not to fly in war zones.”
Consistent Rules for Aviation Safety
IFALPA President Captain Ron Hay underscored the challenges faced by pilots, noting, “A pilot’s duty can start in Istanbul and end on another continent, pushing physiological limits. There are aviation safety regulations and labor laws related to working hours. Both are important, but consistent rules must be ensured, and gaps between regulations must be closed.”
Other Industry News: Piaggio Aerospace and Tesla
In related news, Baykar-owned aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace has signed its first contract for the new generation P.180 Avanti NX jets. An official statement from the company revealed that a European-based operator placed an order for two Avanti NX models, becoming the launch customer for the aircraft. The two ordered Avanti NX aircraft are planned to be delivered in an executive business jet configuration, and will also include stretcher modules to accommodate air ambulance missions.
Giovanni Tomassini, CEO of Piaggio Aerospace, commented, “Returning to AERO Friedrichshafen after a long break and signing a contract for two aircraft shows that we are making a strong comeback to the aviation market with the support of Baykar.”
Automotive giant Tesla also announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026. The company’s total revenue increased by 16 percent to $22.4 billion in the January-March period compared to the same period last year. Net profit also rose by 17 percent year-on-year to $477 million. While the company’s revenue was slightly below market estimates, its profit exceeded expectations.
Source: Milliyet.com.tr
