A story of trust, expertise and dedication

The story of Kale Air begins with vision and determination. Established in 1994 as part of the Kale Group by esteemed Mr. İbrahim Bodur, the company first provided VIP flights and helicopter maintenance services.

Over time, Kale Air grew into a trusted aviation brand in Türkiye, and in 2006, I had the privilege of joining as Maintenance Director, a turning point that opened the door to new certifications, higher performance, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Our Airbus journey started indirectly through

our parent company Wiking Helikopter Service GmbH in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. In 2017, Wiking added four Airbus H145 D2 helicopters to its offshore fleet operating over the North Sea. Inspired by this, we at Kale Air set a long-term goal to obtain Airbus maintenance authorization in Türkiye. I began Airbus type trainings in 2018 and, in 2019, proudly received our first SHY-145 approval for the H145 D2.

But this road was not without challenges. One of the most difficult yet defining experiences was the Know Your Customer (KYC) process in March 2023. It was a time of uncertainty and testing, as we received no parts, tools, documentation, or training support from Airbus. Yet it shaped us, built resilience, and ultimately made our later recognition even more meaningful.

By the last quarter of 2024, Kale Air had expanded its approvals to cover H145 D2, EC145 C2, EC135, AS350 (H125), and H130, both in maintenance and CAMO.

The true breakthrough, however, came after Airbus’s evaluation process and the guidance of esteemed colleagues, Area Sales Manager Mr. Laurent Bourillon, Türkiye Customer Support Manager Mr. Didier Munoz, Senior Regional Field Service Representative Mr. William Ponchant, and Network Manager Ms. Delphine François, who visited us, assessed our systems, and shared their expertise. With their trust and Airbus’s confidence, Kale Air became an authorized Airbus maintenance centre in September 2024.

This was a critical moment for Türkiye. When the existing Airbus authorized maintenance centre unexpectedly closed in January 2023, a gap emerged for helicopter owners in the country. We were already supporting Airbus types under SHY-145, but with the official Airbus approval, we could fully step in and ensure continuity of safe operations for our customers.

What defines Kale Air is not only technical expertise but also our values: discipline, loyalty, reliability, respect for people and the environment, resilience in the face of challenges, and long-term customer relationships. Though not a family business by structure, our culture is deeply familial.

Our young, talented, and responsible team works closely together, bringing energy, skill, and dedication to everything they do. They will proudly carry Kale Air into the next 30 years as a trusted Airbus partner in Türkiye.

Looking ahead, our vision is ambitious yet clear:

• to obtain Airbus H160 maintenance approval,

• to become an authorized Airbus sales and spare parts representative,

• and to actively support the development of a forest fire-fighting fleet of Airbus H125 helicopters in Türkiye, delivering comprehensive technical and CAMO services with excellence, reliability, and dedication to investors and partners.

Personally, I am deeply inspired by Airbus’s technology, innovation, and product quality. The positive synergy we have experienced with Airbus reflects directly on Kale Air, fueling our growth and raising our standards in every aspect.

At Kale Air, what motivates us most is seeing our customers fly safely after maintenance, the trust we build through strong relationships, and the dedication of our people. Our message is simple yet powerful: Safe, reliable maintenance, delivered with professionalism, sincerity, and a family spirit.

M. Sait Sölmen | General Manager