Turkish aerospace leaders TUSAŞ, Baykar join global top 50 aviation elite

In a recent ranking by Counterpoint Market Intelligence for FlightGlobal, two Turkish aviation giants, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and Baykar, have secured positions among the top 50 largest aviation companies globally for 2023.

The rankings were derived from data based on annual reports and public records from companies, reflecting a robust recovery in the aviation sector, which was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

After the disruptions caused by the pandemic, industry giants Boeing and Airbus regained their top spots on the list.

As per the index, Boeing and Airbus occupy the leading positions, with Boeing at the top of the list, reporting $77.8 billion in revenue, followed by Airbus with $70.8 billion.

TUSAŞ, ranked 38th with $2.67 billion in sales, continues to lead Türkiye's aerospace advancements with its platforms such as ANKA, AKSUNGUR, ATAK, and HÜRKUŞ. The company is also making strides with next-generation projects like the ANKA III, HÜRJET, and the KAAN fighter jet. Its investment in R&D (research and development) and cutting-edge technologies has bolstered its position on the global stage.

Baykar, with $1.8 billion in sales, made a strong entry at 49th on the list. Known for its Bayraktar TB2 drone, which has become widely used and exported across multiple nations, Baykar expanded its success in 2023 with the Bayraktar AKINCI drone.

As the world's leading exporter of armed UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), Baykar's export-focused model has allowed it to grow drastically, accounting for over 90% of its revenue from exports and securing contracts with 35 countries for its drones. This success is helping fund the development of new platforms like the Bayraktar TB3 and Bayraktar KIZILELMA.

By Khagan Isayev