SunExpress, in a strategic undertaking, has appointed James Harrison as the new sales manager for the UK and Ireland. His extensive expertise in the aviation sector positions him as a key player in the airline’s growth ambitions.
As a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, SunExpress is poised for expansion in crucial markets. With Harrison’s leadership, the airline is set to build on its well-established reputation for quality service and operational excellence, aiming to enhance its market presence in the UK and Ireland.
James Harrison’s Strategic Appointment
James Harrison has been appointed as the UK and Ireland sales manager for SunExpress, a strategic move indicative of the airline’s commitment to expanding its reach in these key markets. Bringing almost 30 years of aviation experience from prominent airlines such as British Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways, Harrison’s expertise is expected to be pivotal in navigating the competitive landscape of the aviation industry.
Having served as UK and Ireland general manager for Etihad Airways from 2015 to 2021, Harrison is no stranger to the complexities of managing airline operations in these regions. His previous role at Aviareps, where he led a team focusing on revenue growth across various segments, aligns seamlessly with SunExpress’ goals and ambitions for the future.
Elevating Market Presence
In collaboration with the general sales agency Aviareps, Harrison will be integral to SunExpress’ strategic initiatives. His appointment comes at a time when the airline is experiencing substantial growth within the UK and Irish markets. SunExpress has planned to enhance its capacity offerings significantly, reflecting its ambition to secure a larger market share.
SunExpress has reported a remarkable increase in its UK operations, now offering 136 flights per week to Turkey from nine airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, and Stansted. This marks a noteworthy rise from the previous year’s 74 weekly flights.
Harnessing Aviation Expertise
Harrison’s appointment aligns with SunExpress’ vision to leverage experienced industry professionals to drive growth. With an increased focus on high-quality, value-driven service offerings, his leadership is anticipated to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
His predecessor, Eray Mert’s transition to station operations manager, opens up new pathways for growth and innovation within the company’s management team.
The collaboration with Aviareps in the UK and Ireland is seen as a strategic alliance designed to bolster sales and expand reach across key travelling demographics.
Future Projections and Expansion
Under Harrison’s leadership, SunExpress aims to further expand its operations by introducing new routes and increasing flight frequencies. The introduction of services from Glasgow and Liverpool in 2025 represents another step towards fulfilling consumer demand and enhancing connectivity between the UK, Ireland, and Turkey.
In Ireland, SunExpress operates three weekly flights to Antalya and seven to Izmir from Dublin, demonstrating a robust approach to consolidating its presence and optimising its flight schedules to meet customer needs.
Strategic Significance of the UK and Ireland
Tobias Bracht, head of sales for SunExpress, emphasised the strategic importance of the UK and Ireland in the airline’s growth strategy. Describing these markets as fast-growing and strategically vital, Bracht highlighted Harrison’s role in supporting SunExpress’ expansion plans and strengthening travel industry relationships.
Through Harrison’s leadership, the airline aims to deliver enhanced services and establish stronger connections with travel agents and partners across the UK and Ireland, thus fostering a network that prioritises customer experience and satisfaction.
Commitment to Quality and Value
SunExpress, as a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, prides itself on maintaining high standards of service and operational excellence. Harrison’s appointment reaffirms the airline’s dedication to providing valuable travel experiences and meeting the demands of the ever-evolving aviation market.
With a focus on high-quality services to destinations across Türkiye, SunExpress continues to build a reputation that distinguishes it within the competitive airline industry.
The appointment of James Harrison as UK and Ireland sales manager marks a pivotal moment for SunExpress, signalling a commitment to growth and enhanced market presence. His extensive experience will be instrumental in driving forward the airline’s strategic goals, fostering stronger relationships within the travel industry.
Harrison’s expertise and leadership are poised to significantly impact SunExpress’ growth trajectory in the UK and Ireland, fostering enhanced relationships and operational efficiencies. This appointment aligns with the airline’s strategic vision, anticipating robust market growth and strengthened industry connections.
