In the framework of ongoing dialogue with its Turkish customers and operators, Airbus held a three-day free of charge training seminar for airline maintenance and engineering departments, in Istanbul, from 20 to 22nd October. This event - an industry first in Turkey, took place at Turkish Airlines’ training centre and was attended by some 50 engineers from six different Turkish carriers. The subject, which covered Airbus aircraft operational reliability control programme, had been identified by several of these airlines as a pressing training need.

The programme focused on topics such as ways to implement a streamlined reliability programme within a maintenance and engineering organisation; optimisation of the organisational structure to smoothly run the programme and to increase productivity, the role of the reliability control programme in the context of overall aircraft operations. Several workshops were organised with practical and dynamic case studies which made this seminar highly successful.

"Airbus is very pleased with the close partnership it has built with Turkish carriers -whether scheduled, charter or cargo carriers. Theses initiatives can only help them in their search to provide best service to their own customers, which is key to their commercial success," said Daniel Bical, Airbus Customer Support Director who ran the seminar.

Airbus Customer Services covers all areas of support including spare parts and technical advice. Over the years, Airbus has developed an innovative and flexible approach to service, acting in partnership with its customers and suppliers. Today it provides the most competent front line support services that help airlines increase safety, achieve their goals and enhance the profitability of their fleets.

With a continued focus on the highest quality in aircraft design, operational reliability, passenger comfort and customer service, Airbus, which consistently wins about half of all airlines sales worldwide, has been successful in Turkey too, with its aircraft making up all the widebody fleet operated by Turkish carriers.

THY Turkish Airlines, which in 1984 became one of the European aircraft manufacturer’s earliest customers with the A310, was also one of the very first customers and operators of Airbus’ four-engine ultra-long range A340, in 1993. With its seven-strong A340 fleet, the Turkish flag-carrier serves non-stop routes from Istanbul such as to the United States, South East Asia and Japan.

Other Airbus operators in Turkey include Onur Air, which became the world’s first charter operator of the A321 in 1996, Flyair, and MNG Airlines Cargo, shortly to be joined by low cost airline Freebird and freight carrier Orex.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, ranging from 100 to more than 500 seats. It has delivered over 3,300 aircraft to more than 180 customers worldwide, and boasts a healthy order book of more than 1,500 aircraft for delivery over the coming years.

Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.

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