Turkish Airlines Takes Off With First Phase of Major SAP Software Implementation

SAP NEWSBYTE - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Turkish Airlines has completed the first phase of its large-scale implementation of SAP software. One of the most prestigious air carriers worldwide, Turkish Airlines selected the enterprise resource planning (ERP) application SAP ERP to increase operational efficiency and to gain momentum for global business processes.

Processes and functions in non-operational procurement, sales, inventory, and equipment and installation maintenance have been migrated into the SAP system. Finance and controlling solutions are now live and accessible to Turkish Airlines employees. The implementation was delivered by an international team of approximately 250 people — 150 Turkish Airlines employees and more than 100 SAP consultants from 10 countries, including Turkey, South Africa, India, Germany and Italy. Turkish Airlines employees using SAP solutions will benefit from the advantages that integrated IT processes offer, and management will have greater insight into the business to make quick and well-informed decisions.

“With this step, we made a significant progress on our journey to operational excellence,” said Temel Kotil, CEO, Turkish Airlines. “We will keep moving toward this target with the next phases of the project.”

The second phase of Turkish Airline’s SAP implementation will focus on human resources (HR) processes, and is planned for January 2013. The project cycle is targeted to be completed by the end of 2013, with execution of operational procurement, network profitability, long-term planning, e-recruitment and performance management.

For more information, visit the SAP Newsroom. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.


About Turkish Airlines
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 186 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 202 cities around the world, comprised of 35 domestic and 167 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner of “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”. It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011”. Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.