Corendon Airlines is steadily expanding its presence in the Polish market, responding to the growing needs of travelers. In our interview, the airline’s Chairman of the Board, Yildray Karaer, shares insights on the development of the company’s offer in Poland, the importance of investing in strategic partnerships, and how Corendon combines dynamic growth with a commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices.
WBJ: Corendon Airlines has been operating flights from Poland for several seasons now. How do you assess the potential of the Polish tourism market, and which destinations are currently the most popular among Polish travelers?
Yildray Karaer: Poland is a significant market for us and has shown consistent growth over the past seasons. Polish travelers are curious, dynamic, and increasingly open to discovering new destinations. We’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in the preferences of Polish travelers: they are more adventurous, value-driven, and eager to explore beyond the traditional.
Looking ahead, Poland will play a central role in shaping leisure travel trends in Central and Eastern Europe. Corendon Airlines is committed to being at the forefront of this journey - innovating, connecting, and growing together with Polish travelers. Destinations like Antalya, Crete, and Hurghada are among the most popular, but we also see growing interest in places like Mallorca and the Canary Islands. We firmly believe that the Polish tourism market still has significant untapped potential, and we’re excited to continue investing and growing together with our local partners.
Are you planning to expand your offerings with new routes from Poland, catering to leisure and city break purposes? If so, which destinations are being considered shortly?
Poland remains a strategic market in our growth plan, and we continually evaluate new opportunities based on traveler demand and market dynamics. Our goal is to provide Polish travelers with more direct access to both classic and unexpected destinations—whether for a weekend getaway or a more extended holiday. We believe that flexibility and variety will define the future of travel, and we want to be the airline that brings that future to Poland.
We're working on expanding our network from Poland with brand-new routes launching next year. While final destinations are still under wraps, our Polish travelers can expect some truly exceptional surprises — get ready for unforgettable journeys!
What services and amenities do you currently offer to Polish customers, and are there any new solutions planned to better tailor your offer to their needs?
At Corendon Airlines, we take great pride in offering our Polish customers a seamless and enjoyable travel experience — from competitive pricing and direct flights to the top leisure destination, Antalya, and to generous baggage allowances. We continually listen to our passengers and closely observe their preferences. That’s why we’re working on introducing more personalized services — including enhanced in-flight options, Polish-speaking crew on selected routes, and a smoother digital booking journey explicitly tailored to the Polish market.
Our vision is to not only connect Poland with the most popular sun and city break destinations, but also to provide a travel experience that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and truly customer-centric.
Can we expect the introduction of seasonal flights from smaller regional airports in Poland, which are gaining importance – such as Rzeszów, Lublin, or Bydgoszcz?
We are open to the idea of operating from smaller regional airports in Poland, such as Rzeszów, Lublin, or Bydgoszcz, especially if our tour operator partners signal demand. These airports present a compelling opportunity: they serve regions with growing tourism potential, face less competition, and offer a smoother, more cooperative working relationship. Many of them are also available 24/7, which gives us more operational flexibility.
If our partners identify a market need, we are ready to explore and expand. At Corendon, we believe that good connectivity shouldn't depend solely on the size of the airport — it should reflect the potential and needs of the travelers we serve.
Recently, you have engaged in strategic partnerships, including support for Polish sports such as football and golf. What are your goals with these collaborations, and how do they align with your long-term brand strategy in the Polish market?
Our partnerships in Polish sports, including football with Górnik Zabrze and golf with the Polish Golf Union, are more than sponsorships - they are long-term investments in building genuine connections with the Polish people. Sports unite communities, inspire emotions, and reflect values such as passion, teamwork, and ambition - which align closely with our brand philosophy at Corendon Airlines. By supporting national athletes and clubs, we’re not only raising brand awareness but also embedding ourselves into the cultural and social fabric of Poland. It’s a strategic move that reflects our deep commitment to this market. These collaborations help us build trust, loyalty, and visibility authentically. As we expand our presence in Poland, we aim to be recognized not just as an airline, but as a partner that flies where the heart is.
What marketing and communication activities are you planning in Poland to further increase brand awareness of Corendon Airlines and build customer loyalty among Polish travelers?
Poland is a key market for Corendon Airlines, and we’re fully focused on strengthening our brand in this market. Our marketing strategy encompasses dynamic digital campaigns, a strong social media presence, and partnerships with trusted Polish brands and sports institutions, such as football and golf, to connect with people on a deeper level. We want travelers not only to know our name, but also to feel inspired to fly with us again and again. That’s why we’ll continue investing in personalized offers, emotional storytelling, and loyalty-driven communication to make Corendon the airline of choice for Polish holidaymakers.
What steps is Corendon Airlines taking to modernize its fleet and reduce its environmental impact? Are there any ongoing or planned initiatives related to sustainability and greener aviation?
Taking care of our planet and its resources is more critical than ever. At Corendon Airlines, we genuinely care about nature — that’s why we’re doing our part to reduce carbon emissions and help create a cleaner, greener future for the next generations. We're working step by step to make our services more eco-friendly and in tune with sustainability values.
Corendon Airlines is committed to sustainable travel and partners with the cOmmited.app platform to support carbon neutrality. As part of this initiative, we launched a climate program that enables passengers to offset the emissions from their flights. In 2024, we introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. Ranked 4th globally and 1st in Turkey by Atmosfair for low carbon emissions per passenger, Corendon proudly leads as Turkey’s first airline to fly the eco-efficient Boeing MAX 8.
