Turkish Aeronautical Association

What Turkish Aeronautical Association does

Turkish Aeronautical Association (Türk Hava Kurumu, THK) is a non-profit aeronautical society founded in 1925 under Atatürk and organized as a corporation under the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports. It is the national aero club of Türkiye, holding membership in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE), and the European Aero Sports (EAS). THK delivers air-sports training across 11 disciplines — glider, parachute, paragliding, motor paragliding, hang glider, motor hang glider, microlight, gyrocopter, balloon, model aircraft, and UAV/Drone — through 382 branches covering all 81 provinces and four dedicated training centers at İnönü, Selçuk, Karain, and Erzincan, supported by a 411-person staff.

The operating model is hybrid: training and member-service revenue sit alongside a statutory fundraising monopoly under Law No. 2860, which authorizes THK to collect cash, kurban skins, zakat, fitre, charity stamps, in-kind donations, and real estate across Türkiye. Revenue is supplemented by a portfolio of subsidiaries including THK University (degree programs), THK Teknik (aircraft maintenance and production), THK Sigorta (insurance), and others producing MRO, insurance, and merchandise income. A separate cultural vertical monetizes THK's aviation museum through heritage workshops. After falling under a court-appointed Board of Trustees (Kayyum Heyeti) in October 2019 and completing a TL 1.7 billion debt restructuring in December 2020, THK transitioned to a new elected Supervisory Board on 25 February 2026 under General Chairman Prof. Dr. Akın Ünal, and is now repositioning itself via partnerships with SHGM, DHMI, TÜBİTAK, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA).

THK's customer base is structurally long-tail: youth aviation and STEM participants, hobbyist pilots across 11 air-sports verticals, competitive athletes, and a growing B2B layer serving commercial UAV operators and feeder cadets for Turkish Airlines. Pricing is a mix of tuition-based training fees and donation-channel inflows, with no disclosed consolidated revenue figures.

Name

Turkish Aeronautical Association

Legal name

Türk Hava Kurumu Genel Başkanlığı

Website

https://thk.org.tr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Türk Hava Kurumu (THK) is Türkiye's national non-profit aero club, founded in 1925 under Atatürk. It delivers air-sports training across 11 disciplines through 382 branches and 4 training centers, funded by training fees, a statutory donation monopoly under Law 2860, and university, insurance, and MRO subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Training and Air Sports Education

NAICS

Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Aviation training services
• Air sports education
• Pilot certification programs
• Youth aviation programs
• Aviation training centers

Headquarters

HQ city

Ankara

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Aviation Training Services: Revenue generated from aviation education courses including glider, parachute, paragliding, model aircraft, UAV/Drone, and other air sports training programs offered at THK's training centers and schools.
2. Cash Donations (Nakdi Bağış): Financial donations collected through SMS (30 TL to 1925), bank transfers in TL/USD/Euro, branch offices, and online donation portal. Supported by annual permits from Ankara Governorship.
3. Kurban (Sacrifice) Skin Donations: Collection of sacrificial animal skins during Kurban Bayram, authorized under Law No. 2860 on Fundraising, as a traditional revenue stream.
4. Zekat and Fitre Donations: Islamic charitable donations (zakat and fitre) collected annually during Ramadan through branches, donation envelopes, online portal, and bank transfers.
5. Charity Stamps (Yardım Pulu): Sale of charity stamps authorized by Council of Ministers Decision dated 07/02/2001 for fundraising purposes.
6. In-kind Donations: Acceptance of physical goods including accommodation, food, clothing, stationery, hygiene products, electronics, and furniture as in-kind donations.
7. Real Estate Donations: Acceptance of real estate property donations, including properties with usage rights (intifa hakkı) and testamentary bequests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

THK delivers certified air sports training and aviation education across 11 disciplines—glider, parachute, paragliding, powered paragliding, hang glider, powered hang glider, microlight, gyrocopter, balloon, model aircraft, and UAV/Drone—through four multi-discipline training centers, five specialized aviation schools, and 382 nationwide branches. Beyond training, the organization collects donations (cash, zakat, fitre, kurban skins, charity stamps, in-kind, and real estate) under Law No. 2860 to fund its public-benefit mission, and it serves as Turkey's national authority for FAI-sanctioned air sports competitions and youth aviation development through the Genç Kanatlar program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Glider (Planör) Training Comprehensive glider pilot training program covering ground school and flight instruction, offered at the İnönü Aviation Training Center and other THK facilities for aspiring glider pilots.
• Parachute (Paraşüt) Training Parachute jumping and training programs including tandem jumps, formation skydiving, and licensed parachutist certification, conducted primarily at the Selçuk (Efes) Aviation Training Center.
• Paragliding (Yamaç Paraşütü) Training Paragliding training and certification courses for recreational and competitive pilots, including tandem training and target competitions.
• Motor Paragliding (Motorlu Yamaç Paraşütü) Training Training for powered paragliding using motor-equipped paragliders, combining free-flight techniques with engine propulsion.
• Hang Gliding (Yelkenkanat) Training Hang gliding training covering distance and competition flying techniques, offered as part of Turkey's air sports program.
• Motor Hang Gliding (Motorlu Yelkenkanat) Training Training for motor-equipped hang gliders, enabling powered hang gliding flights.
• Microlight Aircraft Training Microlight aircraft pilot training for recreational aviation enthusiasts, with training resuming after a previous hiatus.
• Gyrocopter Training Gyrocopter (rotorcraft) pilot training program for aspiring gyroplane aviators.
• Hot Air Balloon (Balon) Operations Hot air balloon flight operations and pilot training, including commercial balloon flights from Pamukkale/Denizli region and training at THK facilities.
• Model Aircraft (Model Uçak) Training Model aircraft building and flying training, including RC model aircraft, free-flight models, and competitions; over 604,000 participants have been engaged since 1935.
• UAV/Drone (İHA) Training and Operations Commercial İHA-1 drone pilot training and UAV operations, including seeding studies, thermal camera demonstrations, and the İHA identity registration query system integrated with Turkey's drone regulatory framework.
• THK University Aviation Training Higher education pilot training programs through Türk Hava Kurumu University at Etimesgut Türkkuşu Campus, offering degree programs in aviation including a pilotage department.
• THK Flight Academy (Uçuş Akademisi) Professional flight academy operated in cooperation with Turkish Airlines (TAFA agreement signed in 2021), providing commercial pilot training and licensing programs.
• Genç Kanatlar (Young Wings) Youth Program Youth aviation awareness and introductory program connecting young Turks with air sports and aviation careers, including school partnerships, youth camps, and TEKNOFEST participation.
• Ankara Parachute Tower and THK Museum Iconic Ankara landmark and museum showcasing Turkish aviation history, including exhibitions on pioneering aviators like Sabiha Gökçen and Vecihi Hürkuş, plus parachute tower operations.
• THK Technical A.Ş. Aviation Maintenance and Repair Technical subsidiary providing aircraft maintenance, repair services, and helicopter maintenance agreements, including cooperation with the Ukrainian USE for Ka-32 helicopter maintenance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 604,000 model aircraft participants trained since 1935
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Devlet Hava Meydanları İşletmesi (DHMİ) - State Airports AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026THK and DHMİ maintain cooperation on civil aviation development. In June 2026, THK Chairman Prof. Dr. Akın Ünal visited DHMİ Director Enes Çakmak to discuss NATO Summit coordination and joint projects.
• Ministry of Youth and Sports (Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026THK operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for youth aviation education programs. In June 2026, THK management met with Minister Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak to discuss youth aviation activities and future plans.
• Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü (SHGM) - Directorate General of Civil AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026THK maintains active cooperation with SHGM on civil aviation regulation, pilot licensing, and air sports standards. In June 2026, THK management visited SHGM Director Prof. Dr. Kemal Yüksek to discuss sustainable future of Turkish civil aviation.
• Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021THK and Turkish Airlines Flight Academy signed a cooperation agreement for maintenance-repair, fuel, and training services. The collaboration supports pilot training and aviation education development in Turkey.
• TÜBİTAK - Scientific and Technological Research Council of TurkeyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2019THK provides training to TÜBİTAK Bilgem engineers on UAV systems, autopilot flight operations, and radio-controlled model aircraft. THK model aircraft teachers delivered specialized training programs to TÜBİTAK researchers.
• Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1925THK has been a member of FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) since its founding in 1925. FAI is the world air sports federation that certifies world aviation and space records, and THK serves as Turkey's national air sports authority coordinating FAI-sanctioned competitions and activities.
• International Air Cadet Exchange Association (IACE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1925THK is a member of IACE, an international organization facilitating youth exchange programs for air cadets and young aviation enthusiasts across member nations.
• Europe Air Sports Association (EAS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1925THK is a member of EAS, the European air sports federation representing air sports organizations across Europe and coordinating regional competitions and standards.
• THK University (Türk Hava Kurumu Üniversitesi)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHK established Türk Hava Kurumu University to provide higher education in aviation. The university operates at Etimesgut Türkkuşu Campus in Ankara and offers pilot training programs, contributing to Turkey's aviation human resources development.
• Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHK collaborates with Turkish aerospace industry on national aviation projects, including participation in TEKNOFEST aviation festivals and support for indigenous aircraft development programs like HÜRKUŞ, HÜRJET, and GÖKBEY.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom: UK's national air sports governing body affiliated with FAI, coordinating air sports competitions, training, and pilot licensing standards. Closely mirrors THK's role as Turkey's FAI-affiliated national authority for air sports.
• Civil Air Patrol: US congressionally-chartered, volunteer-based non-profit aerospace organization operating the Cadet Program for youth aviation education and Aerospace Education. Directly comparable to THK as a national non-profit aviation education and youth-development entity.
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): Largest aviation association in the world representing general aviation pilots with pilot training programs, advocacy, and air safety education. Comparable through its mission of supporting recreational pilots and advocacy for accessible aviation.
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): US-based membership organization promoting recreational flying through homebuilt aircraft, sport pilot education, and the annual AirVenture Oshkosh event. Comparable to THK in its air sports community-building and recreational aviation education focus.
• United States Parachute Association (USPA): US national governing body for skydiving and parachute sports, certifying skydivers, sanctioning competitions, and representing the US at FAI. Mirrors THK's parachute division and FAI-affiliated sports governance role.
• Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA): Turkish commercial pilot training organization partnered with THK for maintenance, fuel, and training services. Direct competitor and partner for professional pilot training in Türkiye, operating in the same pilot-licensing market as THK.
• Aéro-Club de France: France's historic national air sports federation and FAI founding member, providing flight training, recreational aviation, and competition oversight. Comparable to THK in mission, FAI affiliation, and continental European positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Lufthansa Aviation Training: Commercial airline-owned pilot and crew training provider operating modern flight simulators and type-rating programs across Europe. Represents the well-capitalized private competitor model that THK's pilot school competes with in commercial pilot training.
• CAE: Global aviation training leader operating the world's largest network of pilot training centers and simulation-based training. Broad incumbent in aviation training that competes for the same commercial pilot pipeline as THK's flight academy and university.

Regional players

• Aero Sports Federation of India: National air sports federation for India affiliated with FAI, promoting aero sports and coordinating competitions across South Asia. Comparable as a fellow national FAI member organization, but operating in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/turkhavakurumu
• Instagraminstagram.com/turkhavakurumu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/turkhavakurumu

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Turkish Aeronautical Association