Bilal Ekşi

Born in 1968 in Rize, Bilal Ekşi graduated from Yıldız Technical University, the Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering in 1989. Starting his career in 1989, Mr. Ekşi worked as an Electronics and Communications Engineer at Turkish State Railways and thereafter, he was assigned to the position of Workshop Manager at Istanbul Ulasim A.S., and he played an active role in realization of significant transport projects.

As the Head of Overhaul Workshops at Turkish Airlines Inc., Mr Ekşi carried out the duty of maintenance of aircraft engines, landing gears and all components between 2003 and 2005. In 2005, he has been assigned as the Chief Ground Operations Officer at Turkish Airlines Inc. Mr. EKŞİ accomplished significant projects, particularly in improvement of the on-time departure performance during his tenure.

Having served as the Chief Production Officer at Turkish Technic in 2008 and 2009; and as the CEO of Cyprus Turkish Airlines as part of the reorganization of Cyprus Turkish Airlines in 2010; and as the Executive Vice President at "Turkish Engine Center (TEC)", established by the Joint Venture of Pratt Whitney, the American Engine manufacturer, and Turkish Technic Inc. between 2010 – 2011; Mr. Ekşi was assigned as the Director General of Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation in April 2011.

During his tenure as the Director General of Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Turkey has been reelected as a member of Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 66 years later its pervious membership and has become one of the 36 members in ICAO’s decision-making platform.