Türkiye's Tailwind, Freebird add wet-leased A321s

Tailwind Airlines (TI, Istanbul Airport) has wet-leased two A321-200s from BBN Airlines (Türkiye) (B5, Antalya) through November 5, 2023, Managing Director Mehmet Bostan confirmed to ch-aviation. Rival leisure carrier Freebird Airlines (FH, Istanbul Airport) has wet-leased the start-up ACMI/charter specialist's two other A321s.

TC-GPC (msn 3302) and TC-GPD (msn 3322) began operating for Tailwind Airlines on April 14, 2023. Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows they are both based out of Antalya and operate to destinations in Germany. The aircraft joined Tailwind's in-house fleet of five B737-400s.

The other two aircraft have been operating on behalf of Freebird Airlines (FH, Istanbul Airport) since April 16, albeit less than daily. TC-GPB (msn 3527) has been repainted into Freebird's livery, indicating a long-term commitment. However, Freebird did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment.

BBN Airlines launched commercial operations on April 1, 2023, with a fleet of four A321-200s. Since its commencement of operations, the start-up carrier has also flown on ad-hoc wet leases for other Turkish leisure specialists - Southwind Airlines and Mavi Gök Airlines