Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU), which has established partnerships with significant entities in the aviation sector, including Istanbul Airport (IGA) and Turkish Airlines (THY), joyously celebrated World Civil Aviation Day on December 7 by bringing together representatives of the aviation industry and students.
The event, organized by the HKU Vocational School of Civil Aviation Cabin Services, unfolded at the HKU Law Amphitheater and was attended by HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, HKU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Lütfi Yola, Mert Can Tanaydı, Digital Media Manager of Istanbul Airport (IGA), Abdulkadir Özkök, General Aviation and VIP Director of Istanbul Airport (IGA), Mehmet Güneş, Station Manager of HAVAŞ at Gaziantep Airport, Kemal Daştan, Director of Gaziantep Airport of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), along with students.
In his opening speech at the event, HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli emphasized, “To meet the needs of the rapidly advancing civil aviation sector, our university has introduced the Civil Aviation Cabin Services program within our Vocational School. It has received substantial interest and continues to attract demand. This year, we aim to launch the Civil Aviation Transportation Services program. Additionally, we plan to activate the Aviation Management department within our Faculty of Aviation and Space Sciences. These programs, characterized by robust industry collaborations and close alignment with the sector, present significant opportunities for students passionate about the civil aviation field. Our university is committed to nurturing its students’ expertise in their respective domains with an innovation-centric vision.”
Kemal Daştan, Director of Gaziantep Airport, expressed his delight in hosting HKU students and highlighted the remarkable development of Gaziantep Airport. Mehmet Güneş, Station Manager of HAVAŞ at Gaziantep Airport, provided insights into the operations and employment opportunities at Gaziantep Airport to HKU students.
Mert Can Tanaydı, Digital Media Manager of Istanbul Airport (IGA), underscored the significance of Istanbul Airport in the industry and elaborated on its position. Abdulkadir Özkök, General Aviation and VIP Director of Istanbul Airport (IGA), advised students to enhance their proficiency in foreign languages, stating, “The aviation sector operates within a continuous cycle, sustained through teamwork. To thrive in this cycle, you must not only improve your communication within the team but also be individuals with strong communication skills.”
In the event’s second phase, a panel discussion on “Cabin Crew” was conducted to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of the aviation sector. Moderated by Dr. Assoc. Prof. Gül Çıkmaz, Head of the HKU Department of Civil Aviation Cabin Services, the panel featured speakers such as Instructor Suat Pınar and Cabin Crew Members Medine Yavuz and Büşra Güneş from Pegasus Airlines.
