- Loan to Çelebi supports acquisition of electrical ground support equipment in airports across Türkiye
- Project will reduce emissions, improve sustainability standards and cut costs
- Çelebi Aviation is one of the country’s leading providers of ground handling services
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing an €18 million loan to Türkiye’s Çelebi Hava Servisi to finance the purchase of electrical ground support equipment across 10 airports in the country. This is the first EBRD loan to support a private ground handling provider in the EBRD’s countries of operation.
The loan will enable the company to not only buy new equipment but also electrify existing conventional equipment in 10 airports in Türkiye, namely in Ankara, Antalya, Balıkesir, Bodrum, Çukurova, Dalaman, İstanbul, İzmir, Sabiha Gökçen and Trabzon.
Ground operations are an integral part of the aviation system and can play a pivotal role in reducing the aviation sector’s carbon footprint.
Furthermore, Çelebi will work with the EBRD to enhance its corporate climate governance practices in line with Turkish sustainability reporting standards and beyond.
As well as its strong green credentials, the project will boost the Çelebi’s competitiveness, as it will reduce expenditure and allow for cost savings. The project will also promote gender equality to improve corporate climate policies and increase female representation in climate leadership and management roles.
Çelebi, founded in 1958, is a global leader in aviation services, offering comprehensive ground handling, cargo and warehouse management services. It operates at 70 stations worldwide in six countries: Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Tanzania and Türkiye. Çelebi employs over 15,000 people and provides services to more than 400 airline customers.
Sule Kilic, the EBRD's Deputy Head for Türkiye, said: “We’re proud to partner with Çelebi to support the transition to electrical ground support equipment, reducing carbon emissions and setting a new standard for sustainable airport operations. This initiative not only aligns with global climate goals but also demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can pave the way for a greener future in aviation.”
Dave Dorner, Group CEO of Çelebi Aviation, said: “As a company committed to sustainability and operational excellence, we are thrilled to partner with the EBRD on this transformative initiative. Investing in electrical ground support equipment is a critical step in reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing efficiency across our operations. This partnership not only supports our long-term commitment to innovation and responsible aviation services but also strengthens our sustainability roadmap. We appreciate the EBRD’s collaboration in driving this green transformation, which will significantly contribute to lowering emissions and promoting more energy efficient airport operations.”
Ali Aköz, CFO of Çelebi Aviation, said: “Our newly established green financing framework, along with the €18 million loan from the EBRD, marks a significant milestone in our journey towards more sustainable and cost-effective airport operations. The transition to electrical ground support equipment not only supports our sustainability goals but also optimises our cost structure by reducing fuel and maintenance expenses. We extend our gratitude to the EBRD for its support and willingness to cooperate on this project; this collaboration is a positive step for both our company and the environment. The proceeds from this loan will also enable Çelebi to reduce energy losses and prevent approximately 960 tonnes of carbon emissions annually."
The EBRD is one of Türkiye’s key investors, having committed more than €22 billion in the country since 2009 through 478 projects and trade finance limits, mostly in the private sector.