Our General Directorate and Turkish Airlines have signed a comprehensive protocol on brand cooperation in the field of afforestation and forestry. The protocol, which includes goals such as increasing carbon sequestration areas and reducing environmental impacts through environmentally friendly solutions, aims to develop the forest resources of our country, 30 percent of whose area is covered by forests, and to support the fight against climate change.
Under the protocol, Turkish Airlines will contribute to the expansion of forest assets by supporting afforestation activities in the areas determined by our General Directorate. This will be another concrete step towards reducing the environmental impact of aviation. This cooperation, which includes not only fieldwork but also strengthening coordination between institutions on ecological sustainability, aims to increase transparency in afforestation activities and enhance public awareness of nature-based solutions.
At the protocol signing ceremony, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said the following about the cooperation: “Founded in 1933 with a modest fleet of 5 aircraft, Turkish Airlines today flies to 131 countries and 353 destinations around the world, 300 international and 53 domestics, with a fleet of 481 aircraft. In order to reduce carbon emissions, we implement innovative practices such as fleet modernization, improving fuel efficiency, using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and launching a voluntary carbon offset platform called “CO2mission".
One of our main responsibilities as a national flag carrier is to leave a more livable world for future generations. With this significant project, which we initiated together with the General Directorate of Forestry, we will contribute to the development of our country's green structure and support the fight against global climate change. “Turkish Airlines will continue to set an example in the sector with its sustainability-oriented investments and social responsibility projects."
Speaking at the signing ceremony, our CEO Bekir Karacabey said: “We are pleased with this important cooperation that will contribute to the development of forest resources with Turkish Airlines, Türkiye's most valuable brand. Our forest assets continue to grow and strengthen every day: over the past twenty-two years, our General Directorate has planted more than 7.5 billion saplings. Our country ranks 1st in Europe and 4th in the world in terms of forest plantations. In the list of countries that have increased their forest resources, it ranks 1st in Europe and 6th in the world. Türkiye's success in this field has also been recognized in the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). " he said.
The afforestation project will begin in the fall, with saplings being planted and the THY logo embroidered.