Story ID: 
Middle East business drives Gozen expansion
By: David Donald
Caption: In February this year the operations of Gozen Air Services (Stand E240) at Istanbul's Ataturk airport ranked number one in a reader survey of European FBOs
Word Count: 273
In February this year the operations of Gozen Air Services (Stand E240) at Istanbul's Ataturk airport ranked number one in a reader survey of European FBOs, conducted by European Business Air News. At face value, it was a surprise choice given that the Turkish operation was competing against much higher-profile FBOs in Europe. But the achievement highlights the company's success in providing high-value services to business aviation, as part of the wider Gozen group's activities that also include a charter airline (Freebird Airlines), luxury yacht charters, aviation security services and training.
Gozen Air Services was formed in 1979 and evolved into a provider of many airline support and ground handling services. The company's activities naturally evolved into the business aviation sector, and it now supports virtually all of the business movements in and out of Turkey. It has operations at eight Turkish airports: Istanbul-Ataturk, Istanbul-Sabiha Gokcen, Ankara-Esenboga, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Izmir, Adana-Sakirpasa and Adana-Incirlik. The latter operation is primarily to support operations of foreign airlines operating military charters.
At these locations Gozen provides ground handling and fuel. It supports flight planning and operations, including slot arrangement and overflight clearance, while offering a range of concierge services. Turkish security requirements prevent the company from having dedicated VIP terminals, but the company has its own luxurious lounges and services within the airport terminals for VIP passengers.
Gozen provides aircraft management and support for numerous private operators within Turkey, accounting for 70/80 aircraft. It manages the fleet of TAV, for instance, the construction and airport operation company that built the roofs of the seven Emirates A380 hangars here in Dubai.