Çelebi Aviation is expanding its footprint in East Africa through a new partnership with Turkish Airlines, strengthening its operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Under the agreement, which came into effect on 1 August, Çelebi will provide full ground handling services for Turkish Airlines’ flights between Istanbul and Nairobi, marking a significant step in the company’s Africa growth strategy.
With more than 65 years of global aviation experience and operations across three continents, Çelebi will support seven weekly Turkish Airlines flights — around 365 flights per year — delivering passenger services, ramp operations, aircraft turnaround coordination, baggage handling and other ground handling processes. The company expects to serve 75,000–80,000 passengers annually, maintaining its focus on safe, timely and high quality operations.
The agreement further consolidates Çelebi Aviation Kenya’s position at one of East Africa’s most important aviation hubs. The company already provides services to major carriers including British Airways, Emirates SkyCargo, Network Airlines and Astral Aviation, and the addition of Turkish Airlines reinforces its role in the region’s growing aviation ecosystem.
Nairobi continues to expand as a key connection point linking Africa with Europe, Asia and the Middle East. As part of the Kenya Airports Authority’s modernisation programme, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s annual passenger capacity is set to increase from 7.5 million to 22 million, underscoring its rising strategic importance.
Çelebi Aviation Kenya operates in line with global quality and safety benchmarks, holding ISO 9001:2015, ISAGO and GDP certifications — the latter supporting compliant handling of pharmaceutical and temperature controlled cargo. The company also integrates sustainability into its operations through the use of electric ground support equipment (e GSE), reducing environmental impact while aligning with industry wide sustainability goals.
With experienced teams, advanced equipment and strong coordination capabilities, Çelebi aims to deliver seamless, reliable support for Turkish Airlines’ Nairobi operations.
Atilla Korkmazoğlu, President of Ground Handling & Cargo, EMEA at Çelebi Aviation, said the partnership reflects the operational maturity of Çelebi Aviation Kenya and the trust it has earned from leading international airlines.
He added that the collaboration will create long-term value for both organisations and aligns with Çelebi’s broader Africa growth strategy. As Nairobi’s airport modernisation continues, he said Çelebi remains committed to providing high quality, sustainable and internationally compliant ground handling services.
