Turkey’s national flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) has begun talks with American aircraft interior design and engineering company Gore Design Completions Ltd. for a possible acquisition or partnership, the carrier said on Wednesday; Turkish national daily ‘Zaman’ reports.
“THY Teknik A.Ş. commenced talks with Gore Design and its partners to either acquire or share the company’s expertise. We are currently working on the details,” THY told the İstanbul Stock Exchange (İMKB). The carrier said the talks were under way as part of strategies to improve THY’s technical abilities.
Senior THY officials are currently in Texas as part of the launch of the carrier’s flights between İstanbul and Houston.
The San Antonio-based Gore specializes in design, engineering, fabrication and avionics. THY Teknik A.Ş. is THY’s aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services subsidiary and is based at İstanbul Atatürk Airport.
THY and the US firm have signed a goodwill agreement, and fresh details with regards to a possible partnership will be shared with the public, the carrier said on Wednesday.
THY was recently reported to be purchasing 117 Airbus; its fleet could have 375 aircraft by 2020.
This year, the airline company is looking to open a further 40 routes worldwide.
