Gözen Holding

What Gözen Holding does

Gözen Holding is a privately-held Turkish aviation conglomerate founded in 1979, operating through nine wholly-owned subsidiaries that span the full aviation services value chain. The group provides airline representation and ground handling (Gözen Air Services), scheduled and charter airline operations (Freebird Airlines with a fleet of 14-15 Airbus A320s and Freebird Airlines Europe under a Maltese EASA AOC), aviation and corporate security (Gözen Security at 16 licensed Turkish airports, Flydog K9 Services), travel agency services (Free Bird Travel), flight simulator training (IFTC at Istanbul and Antalya, EASA Level D certified for A320 since July 2024), general sales agency representation (Gözen GSA), and aviation software (Gözen Digital Aviation, including the SIMORG ERP and the Operator/OpsManager product line acquired from Boeing's Jeppesen in 2022). The group serves 800+ commercial, cargo, military and general aviation customers and employs over 3,500 personnel.

Revenue is generated through multiple professional-services and transaction-based streams: ground handling and representation fees, security services contracts, airline ticket sales, simulator training hour sales, GSA commissions, travel agency transaction fees, and digital software subscriptions. The go-to-market is primarily B2B enterprise field sales with physical offices at Istanbul Atatürk, Istanbul Airport, and Sabiha Gökçen, complemented by direct-to-consumer leisure airline bookings. Certifications across ISO 9001/14001/45001/27001, IOSA, EASA Level D, and EU Regulation 185/2010 serve as gating credentials for regulated aviation buyers.

Strategically, the holding pursues three forward-looking vectors beyond its core Turkish ground-handling franchise: (1) European airline expansion via the Malta-based Freebird Airlines Europe AOC; (2) digital aviation software commercialization through GDA, including the Boeing-acquired Operator product; and (3) Urban Air Mobility entry via a March 2022 partnership with Avolon for up to 100 Vertical VX4 eVTOL aircraft. The Gözen family maintains direct operational control, with Mekin Gözen as Chairman of the holding and Devran Gözen as Chairman of GDA.

Name

Gözen Holding

Legal name

Gözen Holding Anonim Şirketi

Website

https://gozenholding.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Gözen Holding is a privately-held Turkish aviation conglomerate, founded in 1979 and operating nine subsidiaries that deliver airline operations, ground handling, aviation security, flight training, travel services, and aviation software to 800+ airline customers across 16 Turkish airports.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation (481111), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (48121), Management of Companies and Enterprises (5511)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)

akta.pro primary industry

General Aviation (FBO) & Private Jet Security Services (BPAKAMAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators (THABAFAD), Air Program Technology Enablement & Integration (OBT/TMC/GDS) (THACAHAK), Private Aviation Brokerages & Trip Marketplace Platforms (THABAFAG), MICE & Group Air Ticketing Specialists (THAKALAH)

Keywords

• Aviation ground handling
• Airline representation services
• Aviation security services
• Flight simulator training
• Leisure airline operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Bahçelievler

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Airline Operations (Freebird Airlines): Revenue from leisure airline operations including passenger ticket sales with dual registration in Malta and Türkiye, operating 14-15 Airbus A320 aircraft.
2. Ground Handling & Representation Services: Representation, supervision and management services for airlines operating in Turkey, including ground handling support, flight supervision, overflight/landing clearances, fueling, catering, accommodation and transportation services.
3. Aviation Security Services: Aircraft security, facility security, maritime security, cargo security, organization security, cash-in-transit services, and K9 screening services at 16 licensed airports across Turkey.
4. Digital Aviation Solutions: Software solutions and digital transformation services for aviation industry including SIMORG ERP, Operator/OpsManager, and custom software development for aviation security, ground handling, flight operations, crew scheduling and aviation finance.
5. Travel Agency Services: Corporate and individual travel services including flight reservations, hotel bookings, car rentals, congress/meeting services, transfer services, yacht charters and city tours.
6. Flight Training Services: Simulator training, type ratings, pilot selection, evaluation, and consultancy services for aviation training at IFTC facilities in Istanbul and Antalya.
7. GSA (General Sales Agent) Services: Commercial representation, sales and marketing services for airlines targeting travel agencies, TMCs, tour operators and corporate accounts.
8. K9 Services: Working dog breeding, training and operational services for explosive detection, narcotic detection, search & rescue, mine detection, bedbug detection, and guard/patrol functions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Gözen Holding is a Turkish aviation conglomerate operating through nine wholly-owned subsidiaries that deliver integrated aviation services: airline operations (Freebird Airlines), representation, supervision and ground handling (Gözen Air Services), aviation and corporate security (Gözen Security), K9 detection services (Flydog), flight simulator training (IFTC), corporate and leisure travel agency services (Free Bird Travel), airline General Sales Agency representation (Gözen GSA), and digital aviation technology including proprietary ERP and flight scheduling software (Gözen Digital Aviation).

Product overview

Gözen Holding is a diversified aviation group offering a platform of aviation and travel services spanning multiple subsidiaries. The portfolio is organized around core aviation verticals: airline operations (Freebird Airlines, Freebird Airlines Europe), aviation representation and ground handling (Gözen Air Services), security (Gözen Security, Flydog K9 Services), travel agency (Free Bird Travel), airline sales representation (Gözen GSA), flight simulator training (IFTC), and digital technology (Gözen Digital Aviation). Gözen Digital Aviation (GDA) acts as the technology arm, providing software products including SIMORG (an ERP for simulator training centers) and Operator/OpsManager (a web-based flight scheduling system for business and charter aviation). The subsidiaries are independently branded but share the Gözen Holding umbrella, with the technology unit enabling digital transformation across the group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gözen Air Services Aviation representation, supervision, and management services for civil aviation operators at Turkish airports, covering ground handling, flight supervision, overflight/landing clearances, fueling, catering, accommodation, transportation, aircraft chartering, and hangar services for over 800 commercial, military, cargo, private and general aviation entities.
• Freebird Airlines Leisure airline services operated by a fleet of 15 Airbus A320 aircraft, with dual registration in Malta and Türkiye, plus a subsidiary Freebird Airlines Europe based in Malta under EASA AOC. The airline was the first in Türkiye to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification (2002) and the first charter airline to receive IATA IOSA registration (2006).
• Gözen Security Aviation, facility, maritime, cargo, and organization security services operating at 16 licensed Turkish airports and across 9 cities, including cash-in-transit, K9 screening, security consultancy, and IT security. Holds ISO 9001:2008, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 27001 certifications.
• Free Bird Travel Corporate and individual travel agency services including flight and hotel reservations, car rentals, congress and meeting organization, transfer services, yacht charter, and city tours. Operates as an A-Group Travel Agency under the Ministry of Tourism and as an IATA member since 2010.
• IFTC (International Flight Training Center) EASA-certified flight simulator training for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737NG aircraft at IFTC Istanbul (Atatürk Airport Free Zone) and IFTC Antalya (Antalya Free Zone), plus B737NG Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer, Real Fire Fighting Trainer, type ratings, pilot selection, evaluation, and consultancy. A320 Full Flight Simulator achieved EASA Level D certification in July 2024.
• Flydog K9 Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Lowest energy consumption B737NG flight simulator on the market
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• AvolonflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2022Strategic partnership to commercialize zero-emission eVTOL travel and develop Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platform in Turkey. Gözen Holding committed to purchase or lease up to 50 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon with option for 50 additional aircraft. Partnership enables Gözen to leverage Avolon's global UAM Working Group network including partnerships with GOL, Air Greenland, Japan Airlines and AirAsia.
• Vertical AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2022Manufacturer of VX4 eVTOL aircraft partnered through Avolon. VX4 features speeds up to 200mph, range over 100 miles, near-silent operation, zero emissions. Vertical's partner ecosystem includes Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, Microsoft. Aircraft designed to meet EASA certification standards.
• BoeingcoreTechnology or IntegrationGözen Digital Aviation (GDA) acquired Boeing's Jeppesen Operator/OpsManager product line - a web-based flight scheduling system for business, charter and corporate aviation. This acquisition expands GDA's digital portfolio and service network to 5 continents, strengthening end-to-end digital solutions in aviation operations.
• HAVELSANcoreTechnology or IntegrationHAVELSAN manufactured the A320 Full Flight Simulator for IFTC, which received EASA Level D certification in July 2024. HAVELSAN is an Ankara-headquartered flight simulator manufacturer providing ongoing support for IFTC's pilot training infrastructure.
• IATAcoreOthersGözen Holding subsidiaries maintain IATA affiliations. Freebird Airlines received IOSA registration from IATA in 2006. Free Bird Travel became IATA member in 2010. Gözen Air Services is member of IGHC (IATA Ground Handling Council), NBAA and EBAA.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves1 record

Broad incumbents

• dnata: Emirates-owned global air services provider offering ground handling, catering, and travel services across 30+ countries — competes with Gözen Air Services for airline contracts in Turkey and operates at scale that sets pricing benchmarks.
• Fraport AG: Global airport operator (Frankfurt-based) with ground handling and aviation services subsidiaries — competes at the broader airport services category with Gözen Air Services and Gözen Security for international airline customers operating across multiple geographies.
• CAE Inc. Global leader in aviation training and flight simulation, operating the world's largest network of training centers — directly comparable to IFTC's EASA-certified A320 and B737NG simulator business and the broader pilot training market Gözen targets.

Direct peers

• TAV Airports Holding: Turkish airport operator and aviation services holding company that also owns Havaş (ground handling), BTA (catering), and TGS — competing head-to-head with Gözen's integrated ground handling and security portfolio at major Turkish airports including Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen.
• Havaş: Turkey's largest ground handling company (subsidiary of TAV Airports) providing passenger and ramp services, cargo, and apron services at Turkish airports — directly comparable to Gözen Air Services' ground handling operations.
• SunExpress: Turkish-German joint venture leisure airline (Lufthansa + Turkish Airlines) operating charter and scheduled flights from Turkey — directly comparable to Freebird Airlines on leisure/charter routes between Turkish resort gateways and Europe.
• Çelebi Aviation: Turkish ground handling and aviation services company operating at multiple airports in Turkey, providing cargo, ground handling, and aviation services — the closest direct peer to Gözen Air Services and Gözen Security, competing for the same airline customers across Turkish airports.

Regional players

• Pegasus Airlines: Turkey's leading low-cost carrier serving domestic and international routes from Sabiha Gökçen and other Turkish airports — adjacent competitor to Freebird Airlines on leisure/leisure-adjacent routes, although Pegasus is scheduled LCC while Freebird is charter/scheduled.

Others

• Avolon: Global aircraft leasing company and Gözen's strategic partner on the VX4 eVTOL order (up to 100 aircraft) — comparable as a lessor/counterparty in Gözen's planned UAM fleet, and a related ecosystem player rather than a direct competitor.
• HAVELSAN: Turkish defense and aviation technology company that manufactures the A320 full flight simulator used by IFTC — a technology supplier partner (and therefore ecosystem participant) comparable to the simulator/aviation software arm of Gözen Digital Aviation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gozen-holding

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gözen Holding