The SunExpress Story

First Flight

With its fleet consisting of a single Boeing 737-300, SunExpress takes off from Frankfurt to Antalya on April 2nd 1990.

First Sales Office in Germany

In 1990, the first official sales office of SunExpress opened its gates in Neu-Isenburg in the vicinity of Frankfurt.

One Million Passengers

In September 1993 - Only three years after its debut flight - SunExpress welcomes its 1.000.000 passenger aboard.

Fleet Expansion

A fifth Boeing 737-400 is added to the SunExpress fleet and enters service in November 1993.

SunExpress gains Market Shares

SunExpress is again able to carry 900.000 Passengers, of which 78 percent come from Germany. Almost two-thirds of the passengers are booked on flights to Antalya. The market share in Germany grows by 20 percent. Day before check-ins are introduced at many German airports in November.

Family Service

In July, SunExpress expands its family service and offers a separate check-in, preferred boarding for families with children and a special buggy-service. Several independent “Family-Counters” are also introduced at multiple airports in July.

Baby Born on Board

On 16 July a girl is born on board.

Initiation of Scheduled Services

As of April 2001, SunExpress is the first private Turkish airline to carry out international scheduled flights.

Over one million Passengers a single Year

In 2001, SunExpress for the first time carries more than one million passengers.

New Company Headquarters

SunExpress moves into new company headquarters in Antalya.

Launch of the Online Booking Page

SunExpress expands its multi-channel - approach and the first online booking page www.SunExpress.com goes live. Flights can now easily be booked online.

10.000.000^th Passenger

In June, SunExpress welcomes its 10.000.000^th passenger on board.

Opening of Izmir Hub

Izmir is introduced as the second important hub, next to Antalya.

Launch of Turkish Domestic Flights

The summer of 2006 marks the start of domestic flights in Turkey. Izmir offers direct service to several Turkish cities.

Four Million Passengers in One Year

With more than four million passengers in one year, the airline reaches another milestone in 2008.

New Hub in Istanbul SAW

The third Turkish hub in Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen opens, representing the third SunExpress base in Turkey.

Growth Continues

SunExpress acquires its 18^th aircraft. Two additional aircrafts are added to the fleet in the following months.

Foundation of SunExpress Germany GmbH

In order to explore emerging markets and keep the constant growth upright, the 100 percent subsidiary SunExpress Deutschland GmbH is established in 2011.

Direct Service to the Red Sea and Nile River

The winter flight plan 2011/2012 connects five German cities with Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Marsa Alam.

New Headquarters in Antalya

Innovation needs space! In 2012, SunExpress opens the SunPlaza, a new and modern company headquarters in Antalya.

New Business Area: Wet-Lease

For the first time, SunExpress operates flights for Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet.

Outstanding!

SunExpress is awarded the Kybele-Award of the German-Turkish-Friendship-Federation for special merits in the economic relationship between Germany and Turkey.

50 new Boeing 737

Starting 2015, SunExpress will gradually receive 50 new Boeing 737, including the aircraft type 737MAX.

SunExpress sailing-turn along the Turkish coast.

Long-Haul Wet-Lease

SunExpress will operate long-haul flights for Lufthansa under the Eurowings brand.

Off to New Destinations

In 2015, more than 3.000 employees from 25 different nations are looking forward to more than 51.000 flights. This is more than ever, allowing SunExpress to continue growing in all directions.

Fuel saving and reduction of CO2 emission with new winglets

By starting to upgrade 31 Boeing 737-800 with new, fuel-efficient “Split Scimitar Winglets”, the SunExpress fleet further decreases its CO2 emission.

Back on track!

After a difficult year 2016, SunExpress profit hit record level again in 2017. Other than competitors, SunExpress continued to believe in the strength of Turkish tourism which paid off in the end.

Market leader for Egypt flights

With a capacity share of 27%, in 2017 SunExpress Germany entity is the market leader of touristic flights between Germany and Egypt.

Entertainment on board

SunExpress has introduced a new Inflight Entertainment System and now offers personalized on-demand entertainment via passenger´s mobile devices.

Introduction of SunExpress Bonus

The new program provides passengers with tailor-made offers and enables them to collect BonusPoints as well as flights via individual or family accounts.

Innovation as part of the DNA

SunExpress scores highly with its wide range of innovations: World´s first airline to enable booking via Amazon Alexa, customer service via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, VR glasses for entertainment on board, cooperation with food delivery service foodora and supermarket delivery service of REWE.

SunExpress becomes greener

SunExpress employees have formed “Green Alliance” teams on a voluntary basis at all bases to collaborate on projects that aim at protecting the environment and encourage sustainability. The “Green Alliance” Ankara team established SunExpress‘ first forest named ‘SunExpress 30th years anniversary Forest‘ in Ankara. The “Green Alliance” İzmir team has launched a fundraising campaign for the reforestation of burnt areas in the region.

Passenger record

On July 28th, SunExpress welcomed 48,432 passengers aboard its aircraft on one single day.