Matthew Carpenter, who joined Corendon in November as its UK country manager, isn’t entirely sure. “We’re here now, that’s the important thing,” he tells TTG.
The answer, probably, is that Corendon, which is based in Antalya and now has a fleet of 35 aircraft, is riding Turkey’s post-pandemic tourism boom and sees the UK as an integral part of that.
The airline carried around 300,000 UK passengers last year, but in its biggest market – Germany – this figure is 2.3 million. Carpenter, who joined from bed bank Youtravel, stresses these passengers are holidaymakers, not VFR business from Turks living in Germany.
He declines to give a target for the UK, but says: “The mission for me from the get-go was how to make our footprint bigger,” he says.
Corendon operates from seven UK departure points to Turkey and Heraklion in Crete, although Antalya is 70% of this.
As a relative newcomer, it relies on OTAs and agents for 85% of its business, but also operates for Tui. He is keen to talk to more agents. “We would love to have more,” he says.
However, he admits Corendon’s owners would prefer “a more healthy split”. “It might get to 80-20 by the end of this year," he adds. "But the message is that we are trying to create meaningful B2B partnerships in the UK.”
Eye on Egypt
The UK is Corendon’s second-biggest market, and a highly competitive one in which it is going up against the likes of Jet2, Tui, easyJet holidays, SunExpress and Turkish Airlines, among others serving the Turkish Riviera, as the summer season gets under way.
Corendon’s capacity will be slightly down on 2024 this year. “Some routes were not as good for us,” he says. “We took some out at Bristol – there was too much capacity.”
Adjustments have also been made to some flight timings this summer following feedback. Many UK departures were mid-evening, meaning families would arrive in Turkish hotels during the early hours. “I wouldn’t do that with my family, so we brought some of the flight times forward," he explains.
Planning is already under way for 2026, which may mean more UK airports or new destinations. However, Corendon’s UK flights are operated under a Maltese licence, which restricts where it can fly.
Carpenter names Egypt as a destination of interest, but concedes there would be regulatory hurdles to bridge. Nevertheless, he believes these can be overcome – and that there is a strong business case. “There are not that many independent airlines that fly there," he says.
Likewise, there are regional airports lacking airlines like Corendon. He names Humberside and Southend as examples. “I would not be here if the plan was to stand still,” he says, but adds growth must be done “sensibly.” Another thing being looked at for next year is fare bundles and how hold luggage is priced.
Trade overtures
For agents, there will be roadshows in May in Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow, and a more localised approach to marketing around regional airports.
Carpenter argues proof of the airline’s commitment to the UK is its sponsorship of Hull City football club, where it recent hosted a number of agents. “We wouldn’t be doing that if we weren’t planning to grow,” he insists.
Meanwhile, there is an anniversary to celebrate. There will be events at UK airports and giveaways to passengers, while a major party for trade partners will take place in Antalya in May.
Further ahead, there is the question of whether Corendon moves into tour operating in the UK. The brand is a major operator in the Netherlands, but Carpenter insists there are no immediate plans to launch here.
“Not at this stage,” he says. “At the moment, the Dutch tour operation runs independently of the airline. There’s no immediate plans for the UK – but I would never say never."
