Chief Information Technology Officer (CIO), Türk Hava Yolları A.O. (Turkish Airlines)
THY Genel Müdür Yardımcısı Kerem Kızıltunç, AA Teknoloji Masası’na konuk oldu
THY Genel Müdür Yardımcısı Kerem Kızıltunç, AA Teknoloji Masası’na konuk oldu
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Transcript (27 segments)
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Host0:00
In technology, business at Turkcell. The technology table presented by Turkcell begins. Hello, we continue to discuss current topics and host prominent names on the technology table prepared with the contributions of Turkcell. In this episode, our guest is Turkish Airlines Deputy General Manager and Chairman of the Turkish Airlines Technology Board, Mr. Kerem Kızıltunç. Welcome, Mr. Kerem.
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Kerem Kızıltunç0:27
Welcome, thank you sir.
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Host0:29
Turkish Airlines is one of Turkey's most important global brands and houses many thematic companies. You, as Turkish Airlines Technology, are one of these thematic companies. What need led to the establishment of Turkish Airlines Technology, how has it evolved to today, what responsibilities does it undertake, and how does it contribute to the Turkish Airlines brand?
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Kerem Kızıltunç0:55
Our company will celebrate its 4th anniversary this year. It was established during the pandemic to respond to the mobility in the technology sector. Today, the Turkish Airlines group has 18-19 subsidiaries serving in different areas. Digitalization is one of the most important pillars of our strategy. Turkish Technology was established to accelerate digitalization for the 2033 strategy, host competent human resources, and speed up project delivery. It also aims to sell products developed for THY, Ajet, and other subsidiaries like Turkish Cargo in international markets.
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Host2:32
One of the most important technology agendas today is artificial intelligence. How do you use AI in aviation operations, and what projects are you focusing on in the field of AI?
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Kerem Kızıltunç2:46
AI provides many opportunities where data is abundant, especially in optimization. We use it for on-time departure prediction, fuel optimization, aircraft tail assignments, etc. Generative AI is used internally in our call center to help employees answer customer inquiries. We also use computer vision to track aircraft movements and identify improvement opportunities in turnaround times. These projects contribute to efficiency and cost savings.
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Host6:14
Mr. Kerem, AI and digitalization have introduced autonomous and robotic systems. How do you benefit from robotic and autonomous systems? Do you have targets for making these systems more effective or widespread?
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Kerem Kızıltunç6:47
This is an interesting area. Introducing robots into airport operations will take 5-10 years, as discussed with Nvidia. However, in cargo operations, which are in closed areas, there are opportunities. Turkish Cargo is among the top 4 globally, and a new terminal will be built. We are exploring with pilot applications. Additionally, we use robotic process automation and intelligent document processing for tasks like invoice entry and HR document uploads, achieving significant efficiencies. We have trained business units to create their own robots, democratizing IT capabilities.
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Host10:32
Mr. Kerem, all companies are open to using AI, but data security is very important. Turkish Airlines has enormous data. What measures do you take to ensure security when using AI? Do you have any special methods?
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Kerem Kızıltunç11:00
Many new technologies take time to become enterprise-grade. We expect enterprise AI products to mature gradually. Meanwhile, we use open-source models in our own data center for sensitive documents. We have an AI competency center that works on internal solutions. We also trial startups to control data transfers. I believe enterprise products will reach good maturity on a certain schedule.
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Host13:35
Cybersecurity is critical in aviation. What measures are you taking? What innovative solutions are you working on to combat cyber threats?
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Kerem Kızıltunç13:50
Cybersecurity is challenging because threats evolve quickly. We focus on cyber resilience, assuming we will be attacked. We implement multi-layered protection, redundant systems, and alternative internet providers. We also conduct awareness training for all 90,000 employees, as they can be entry points for attacks. We continuously test and mature our processes.
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Host16:44
Mr. Kerem, all these digitalization steps raise questions about their impact on costs. Will these investments contribute positively to costs in the aviation sector? Or is the goal just optimization?
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Kerem Kızıltunç17:13
Digitalization opens new revenue opportunities through modern airline retailing. We can offer additional services like insurance, hotel packages, and fintech solutions. For example, we established a fintech called TKP to solve passengers' payment needs. On the cost side, technology projects can have a quick return on investment, often within 6-12 months. Even small optimizations in crew scheduling or fuel can save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
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Host21:59
These digitalization opportunities also carry risks. We recently saw a global incident where a software update affected many sectors, including aviation. How do you evaluate this incident? What lessons should be learned? Do you collaborate with other stakeholders for such risks?
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Kerem Kızıltunç22:54
We address all these under business continuity. The biggest disruptions now come from technology. We have two data centers in Istanbul and are adding geographic redundancy with Ankara and Antalya. We conduct regular drills to test backup systems. For incidents like the software update, we need to improve testing and deployment processes. We also work on redundant internet connections with multiple providers. We are building second systems for critical operations to ensure resilience.
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Host27:58
Thank you. You mentioned data centers. You also possess a lot of valuable data. How do you ensure security? What investments are you making to stay ahead of industry standards?
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Kerem Kızıltunç28:18
The best investment is in human resources. We have nearly doubled our cybersecurity and data teams. We implement internal security layers so only authorized personnel can access data. We use external penetration tests and have a bug bounty program. We continuously review processes to improve data governance and security.
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Host30:46
Mr. Kerem, we have largely discussed today. As a future digital transformation strategy, what are your goals? What is cooking in THY Technology's kitchen?
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Kerem Kızıltunç31:18
We have four verticals: customer experience, operational digitalization, ancillary revenue, and employee experience. For customer experience, we aim to be one of the best in mobile and are working on free high-speed in-flight internet. For operations, we are digitizing cockpit processes and using cameras to monitor aircraft. For revenue, we focus on correct pricing and campaign management. For employees, we use AR/VR for training and are distributing tablets to pilots. We believe AR/VR glasses will be the next major human-computer interaction device.
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Host39:50
You mentioned virtual reality. If we were to draw a projection, what kind of aviation sector awaits us in the next 10 years?
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Kerem Kızıltunç40:09
Travel will remain, but technology will enhance it. VR can be used for product showcases and in-flight entertainment. On the operations side, we will see more automation in baggage and cargo handling. The aviation sector will continue to grow, and Turkish Airlines aims to expand its fleet from 500 to 800 by 2033. Technology will be a key lever for profitable growth and consistent customer experience.
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Host45:13
It seems you will have even more work in the next 10 years, based on this projection, right?
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Kerem Kızıltunç45:20
Yes, aviation is complex and competitive. We aim to be in the top 4-5 globally. Technology is a lever, but commercial acumen and operational agility are also crucial. We were one of the fastest to recover from the pandemic. Technology must complement and provide leverage.
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Host47:13
Mr. Kerem, we asked what we were curious about. At the end of the program, if you have anything to add, we can take it.
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Kerem Kızıltunç47:23
We have mostly talked around Turkish Airlines and its subsidiaries. One of our main goals is productization. We see great opportunities to sell our solutions to other airlines, travel companies, and logistics firms globally. Technology has no geographical limits. We want to become a leading brand in software and technology exports from Turkey.
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Host49:06
Thank you very much. I thank you. On the technology table prepared with the contributions of Turkcell, our guest was THY Deputy General Manager and THY Technology Board Chairman Kerem Kızıltunç. Until we meet again with a new topic and guest, goodbye. In technology, business at Turkcell. The technology table presented by Turkcell has ended.