Airline Passenger Experience Association awarded the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award to Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee M. Ilker Ayci at this year’s 2021 APEX/IFSA Expo. This marks the first time in the history of the awards an achievement has been awarded to a European aviation leader. APEX CEO Joe Leader awarded Ayci with this distinguished honor, recognizing Ayci’s more than 25 years of dedication to the industry with his energetic spirit and contributions.
“Turkish Airlines has advanced so incredibly under the leadership of Chairman M. Ilker Ayci,” APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader stated. “Reaching the pinnacle of our industry with APEX World Class tops off a string of non-stop wins for Turkish Airlines. The airline’s advancements in health safety, service, and sustainability with one of the youngest fleets in the world underline the best of the best.”
© Turkish Airlines
This award wasn’t the only one recognizing the achievements of Turkish Airlines. The airline was also awarded the first-ever APEX World Class Award, the Five Star Global Official Airline Ratings for the fifth consecutive year and the hospital-grade Diamond APEX Health Safety Award powered by SimpliFlying. The World Class Award recognizes airlines with outstanding health safety, sustainability and guest experience. After reviewing more than 600 airlines in the APEX Official Airline Ratings, Turkish Airlines ranked as one of the best airlines in the world.
Ayci also gave a keynote address during an interview with BBC World News Talking Business presenter Aaron Heslehurst. In his response to receiving the acclaimed award, he remarked, “It is a tremendous honor for Turkish Airlines to be recognized at this year’s APEX/IFSA Expo, with our health and safety initiatives highlighted by our Diamond APEX Health Safety Awards and our five-year streak of being named a Five Star Global Official Airline. The newest accolade, the 2022 World Class Award, is an incredible feather in our cap and the audited flight program Dr. Joe Leader has created will be crucial for our growth as an industry. Lastly, I am incredibly honored to accept the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award and must give appreciation to our entire team for joining me on this journey. I thank our amazing employees, valued stakeholders and partners for their dedication to Turkish Airlines and inspiring us all to constantly innovate.”
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMust Haves
Mar 4, 2025Get Away for the Weekend in Style with a Well-Designed Duffel
Roundabout Weekender Tote The Alexis Drake Roundabout Weekender Tote offers a sleek combination of style, function and craftsmanship. At 14.5 inches by 27 inches by 10 inches, the Roundabout’s impressive capacity can support any weekend, long or short, without sacrificing its sleek silhouette. Meticulously handcrafted from full-grain cow and bison leathers sourced within the United States and lined with woven canvas, four large pockets keep the sizable interior organized, while reinforced handles and an optional shoulder strap provide superior support. Available in a variety of striking, limited-run color combinations, with customizable details. $598.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Slideshow
Mar 3, 20256 Grand Prix Destinations to Put on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Grand Prix destinations with us.
March 2025
Mar 2, 2025Away We Go!
The March issue includes a recap of our annual award festivities, held at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. We were excited to celebrate our 21st anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards in Los Angeles on Dec. 11. We continue to support the efforts to return the fire-ravaged areas to the way they were when our event took place. Our hearts go out to the victims in the Palisades, Altadena and other affected areas.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
February 2025
Feb 28, 2025Wholly Immerse in Your Adventures with New Advances in Technology
OM System Tough TG-7 OM System might sound like a new arrival in the camera space, but it’s just the new name for industry stalwart Olympus. Continuing the theme of continuity, TG-7 updates the much-loved TG-6 underwater camera. Capable of descending as far as 50 feet below the waves, TG-7 features three preset modes to help beginners take stunning photos and video at different depths, as light behaves differently the deeper you go. Add on the PT-059 underwater case, and the camera will be safe down to 147 feet and you can also add optional lenses such as FCON-T02, for circular images, and FCON-T01, a tele converter for longer shots. $500.
eFlyer News
Feb 26, 2025Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Opens in India
Anantara Hotels & Resorts debuts in India with Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, offering guests a window into a bygone era when some of India’s oldest dynasties ruled Rajasthan and Jaipur.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
eFlyer Deals
Feb 26, 2025Save 15 Percent Off All Kenya Airways Flights
Kenya Airways just revealed a rare and limited-time promotion. The airline offers up to 15 percent off fares to Kenya and other African destinations. To take advantage, book by Feb. 28 for travel by Nov. 30.
ShareThis