Turkey's target for the number of licensed pilots: 19,000 by 2027.

Turkey aims to increase the number of licensed pilots, expected to reach 15,530 by the end of the year, to over 19,000 by 2027, thereby gaining an advantage in global aviation competition.

According to information compiled by AA correspondent from the 2025 Central Government Budget Law Proposal, a series of steps will be taken to strengthen Turkey's position in global competition in the aviation and space sector. In this context, legislative work will continue to ensure civil aviation safety and flight security in accordance with international standards.

THE TARGET FOR LICENSED PILOT NUMBER IS 19,155

The number of licensed pilots in Turkey, which was 14,201 at the end of last year, is expected to rise to 15,530 by the end of this year. The number of licensed pilots, projected to be 16,030 next year, is aimed to reach 17,450 in 2026 and 19,155 in 2027. This development is also expected to provide an advantage in global competition.

Inspections within the scope of civil aviation will continue uninterrupted. The number of inspections, expected to reach 1,787 by the end of the year, is planned to be 1,856 next year, 2,273 in 2026, and 2,488 in 2027.

MEASURES AND TRAINING AGAINST THREATS WILL BE INCREASED

Turkey's complete compliance with standards in civil aviation activities is also among the targets. The "acceptable maximum score level" for inspections of registered aircraft on behalf of the country (SAFA inspection), which is expected to be 0.5 this year, is aimed to be maintained in the coming years. It is also anticipated that the compliance rate with the regulations and safety activities of the International Civil Aviation Organization will be preserved. For this purpose, measures will be taken against interventions and threats that jeopardize safety in civil aviation, and training will be provided in this regard. Regulations and inspections regarding the implementation of security standards and the transportation of dangerous goods will be planned by determining the entry principles for airports.

THE U.S. HAD REJECTED TURKEY'S REQUEST

After the coup attempt on July 15, a pilot shortage occurred due to the expulsion of FETÖ members from the Turkish Armed Forces, and the need for pilots in civil aviation reached critical levels due to the temporary assignment of some pilots from Turkish Airlines to the Air Force. Turkey contacted the U.S., from which aircraft were purchased to meet the need for F-16 instructor pilots. Six F-16 instructor pilots were requested from the U.S. However, America made this issue a diplomatic bargaining point and did not provide a short-term solution.

THE U.S. ALSO BLOCKED PAKISTAN'S ASSISTANCE

In response, Turkey brought the same offer to the friendly country Pakistan. Although the Pakistan Air Force promised to send instructor pilots the very next day, America intervened here as well. America cited bilateral agreements and claimed, "The aircraft configuration you have is different from that in Turkey," and did not allow Pakistan to send instructor pilots to Turkey.