ISTANBUL- BBN Airlines (B5) has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Transportation seeking authorization to operate flights to the United States.
The carrier argues that its entry will expand consumer choice and improve competition in the U.S.-Turkish aviation market.
BBN Airlines US Flights
Founded in 2021, BBN began operations in March 2022, focusing on wet-lease services and charter flights. The airline’s ownership structure is split between Turkish and Lithuanian interests.
Barbas Invest, an Irish-based entity owned by Turkish national Umit Baskirt, holds a 51% majority stake, ensuring compliance with Turkish ownership regulations. The remaining 49% is owned by Lithuanian-controlled investment entities.
BBN aims to leverage its charter and wet-lease expertise to contribute to a competitive and diversified transatlantic market while connecting Turkey with new opportunities in the United States.
BBN Airlines, a Turkish operator, has filed for authorization to launch passenger and cargo services to destinations in the United States. The airline plans to begin with charter operations in both sectors before transitioning to scheduled services, reported Flight Global.
For its operations, BBN utilizes Istanbul Airport for cargo flights, while passenger flights are conducted from Istanbul’s secondary Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Antalya Airport. The airline’s strategy is to leverage these hubs to establish a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.
The airline operates a fleet of nine aircraft, which includes seven-passenger jets—five Airbus A321s and two A320s—and two A321 freighters converted for cargo operations. All aircraft in the fleet are leased, except for a single A320, which is owned by the carrier.
BBN’s move into the U.S. market aligns with its growth strategy and positions it to compete in the transcontinental aviation sector by offering diversified services.
Other Carriers Eyeing US Ops
Israir Attempt
Israir Airlines (6H) has announced plans to introduce nonstop flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and New York (JFK) during the upcoming winter season.
The move aims to break the monopoly currently held by EL AL Israel Airlines (LY) on Israel-U.S. routes, which has led to elevated ticket prices, especially amid the ongoing regional conflict.
The proposed service is contingent on regulatory approvals, with Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority engaging U.S. regulators to secure the necessary permits. Israir’s entry into the transatlantic market faces operational hurdles due to its current fleet of eight Airbus A320 aircraft, which lack the range for nonstop transatlantic flights. To address this, Israir plans to lease two wide-body aircraft from another operator.
AirExplore Success
In September 2024, Slovakian airline AirExplore (ED) secured approval from the U.S. DOT to begin operations in the United States, marking a significant milestone for the carrier. This approval comes over a year after its acquisition by Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operator.
The conditional Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) authorizes AirExplore to operate scheduled and charter flights for passengers, cargo, and mail between the U.S. and various international destinations. These services will utilize wet-leased aircraft that comply with FAA Part 129 certification standards.
To support its U.S. expansion, AirExplore is growing its fleet. The airline recently added three Boeing 737-800 freighters, increasing its total fleet to 17 aircraft. Of these, nine are dedicated to passenger operations, while eight serve cargo routes, all based on the Boeing 737-800 model.
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