Drone giant Baykar debuts own cargo airline

Turkish defence manufacturer Baykar, the world’s largest producer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has begun preparations to introduce a commercial air cargo airline, according to a report by Türkiye Today.  

The Istanbul-based company plans to begin operations with a single Airbus A321P2F cargo aircraft and expand its fleet over time, according to the report.

Baykar has already started recruiting staff for the new venture.

Job listings on Baykar's career platform indicate the company is preparing to launch and operate a new commercial air cargo business.

"Our newly established commercial air cargo transportation operation aims to conduct national and international air cargo transportation in line with the principles of safety, quality, and operational excellence," the job posting states.
"Our operations will be carried out in accordance with national and international civil aviation regulations and company procedures, and a professional and sustainable organisational structure centered on a culture of safety will be established," the job posting added.

The postings indicate the new operation will cover flight operations, ground services, cargo operations, continuing airworthiness management (CAMO), maintenance organisations, and safety and security management systems. The new business is intended to be structured in line with national and international civil aviation standards.

Beyond captain and first officer positions, Baykar is recruiting for a range of roles, including dangerous goods specialist, loading specialist, ground operations manager, financial affairs specialist, security manager, crew planning manager, continuing airworthiness manager, and quality and Safety Management System (SMS) manager.