Detailed Article: AnadoluJet / AJet

Introduction

AnadoluJet was established on April 23, 2008 as a sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, intended to serve domestic routes within Anatolia more cost-effectively.  In March 2024, the brand underwent restructuring to become an independent airline under the name AJet, obtaining its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC).This move is aimed at enabling faster growth, expanding its international network, and improving operational and commercial efficiency.

Corporate Structure & Identity

• Ownership / Parent Relationship: AJet is fully owned by Turkish Airlines. 
• Mission & Vision: AJet aspires to become a world-class low-cost carrier, expanding its network to 44 countries and focusing its fleet on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. 
• Operational Hubs / Bases: Key operational hubs include Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, Ankara, Antalya, among others. 

Fleet & Aircraft

• Under AnadoluJet, the fleet was largely composed of Boeing 737 (NG, 800) with plans to introduce modern models (737 MAX, A320neo). 
• In its current state as AJet, the fleet includes:
  • Approximately 45 Boeing 737-800 aircraft 
  • Boeing 737-8 / MAX 8 jets (six leased) to supplement expansion 
  • Airbus A320 / A321 (neo and legacy variants) leased or integrated to improve fleet efficiency and reduce fuel consumption
• Some aircraft are wet-leased from companies like SmartLynx to support peak demand. 
• Growth plan: The company targets a fleet size of around 200 aircraft over the next decade, increasing the share of next-gen (neo / MAX) planes to reduce emissions and boost efficiency.
• Some estimates suggest the fleet may reach 88 aircraft within the current year as part of the transition and scaling.

Route Network & Operations

• Initially, AnadoluJet concentrated on domestic Turkish routes, particularly in Anatolia.
• In June 2020, it initiated its first international flights.
• Under the AJet brand, ticket sales for both domestic and international flights began on March 12, 2024. 
• The airline now serves an expanding set of international routes across Europe, the Middle East, and Western Asia. 
• In summer 2023, AnadoluJet accounted for about 17.8 % of Turkey’s short-haul domestic seat capacity.
• The future plan is to serve more than 80 international destinations in its expanded network.

Competitive Advantages & Challenges

Advantages

1. Utilizes Turkish Airlines’ infrastructure and logistical support
2. Competitive pricing versus traditional carriers
3. Deployment of modern aircraft to lower fuel and maintenance costs
4. Rapid expansion into international markets
5. Ability to lease aircraft flexibly to manage demand peaks
6. Refreshing brand identity (rebranding to AJet) to attract new customer segments
7. Serving Anatolian regions often underserved by major carriers
8. Integration possibilities with Turkish Airlines (codesharing, network linkage)
9. Focus on operational efficiency and cost control
10. Ambitious plans for sustainable growth and environmental improvement

Challenges

• Intense competition in the low-cost carrier segment
• Delays in aircraft deliveries or supply chain disruptions (especially for new-generation models)
• Volatility in fuel prices and currency exchange rates
• Balancing rapid growth with service quality
• Meeting international regulatory and certification requirements
• Competition from established low-cost airlines domestically and regionally

Conclusion

AnadoluJet — now transformed into AJet — is a bold initiative in Turkey’s aviation sector. Backed by Turkish Airlines, it is evolving into more than a domestic carrier, aiming to become a significant player in connecting Turkey with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its success will hinge on executing a strategic blend of growth, efficiency, and service innovation.