Air Transat Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Sebastian Ponce and Vice President Howard Liebman spoke to HavaSosyalMedya during the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, sharing insights on the airline’s Istanbul operations, future growth plans, and cooperation with Turkish Airlines.
Ponce said that Air Transat’s Istanbul service, relaunched in December 2025, has exceeded expectations commercially, with both load factors and revenues meeting targets.
He emphasized that the route serves not only Canada–Türkiye traffic but also benefits significantly from the airline’s partnership with Turkish Airlines. Passengers can access Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network via Istanbul, while connections through Toronto are available across the Air Transat and Porter Airlines networks.
Weekly Frequencies to Increase to Five
According to Ponce, Air Transat is committed to the Istanbul market for the long term and aims to eventually operate year-round services.
After launching with two weekly flights during the winter season and increasing to three weekly frequencies this summer, the airline plans to introduce twice-weekly Montreal–Istanbul flights starting in December next year. With the addition of the Montreal route, Air Transat’s total weekly frequencies to Istanbul will increase to five flights per week.
Flexible Products and Premium Economy Option
Air Transat offers several fare bundles designed for different traveler profiles, allowing passengers to choose between baggage-free fares, single-bag options, or more comprehensive service packages. The airline also offers its premium economy product, Club Class, featuring wider seats, additional legroom, a dedicated cabin, and a premium travel experience on the ground and in the air.
Positive Feedback from Turkish Travelers
Responding to HavaSosyalMedya’s observation that Turkish passengers have generally provided positive feedback about Air Transat, Ponce said this was encouraging for the airline.
He noted that despite being relatively new to the market, the company remains focused on continuously improving its service quality, and the low level of negative feedback is an important indicator of customer satisfaction. Ponce noted that the market entry strategy includes offering competitive fares.
Expanded North American Connectivity
Air Transat officials highlighted the carrier’s extensive network from Toronto and Montreal, particularly through its partnership with Porter Airlines. The cooperation provides passengers traveling from Istanbul with access to more than 30 destinations across North America, including major markets such as New York, Boston, and Florida.
Growing Cooperation with Turkish Airlines
Air Transat executives said the codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines continues to perform successfully and is viewed as a long-term partnership. The agreement allows both carriers to market seats on each other’s flights, while connections through Toronto and Montreal create opportunities for both airlines.
Canada–Türkiye Air Service Rights Expanded
The executives also commented on the recently concluded civil aviation discussions between Canada and Türkiye. According to Air Transat, the updated bilateral aviation framework will support market growth and allow for increased direct flight capacity between the two countries, creating new opportunities for both markets.
Thanks to iGA and Istanbul Airport
Air Transat officials credited iGA Istanbul Airport and Turkish tourism authorities for their support in launching the Istanbul route. He noted that Air transat worked closely with airport market development team on the development of the route
“Competition Benefits Passengers”
Ponce stated that increased competition in the Istanbul market will ultimately benefit travelers by providing greater choice and more competitive fares. He added that Air Transat’s success in Istanbul could encourage other North American carriers to enter the market, which would be positive not only for Air Transat but for the aviation industry as a whole.
Cargo Operations Continue
Although Air Transat is primarily a passenger airline and does not operate a dedicated cargo fleet, officials noted that the carrier transports cargo in the belly holds of its aircraft. They also confirmed ongoing cargo cooperation with Turkish Airlines, including interline cargo connections via Istanbul to various destinations worldwide.
