The carrier, which offers more destinations than any other, is examining prospects in a range of markets, including India, China and the US, Ayci said in an interview at the Paris Air Show.
“We’ve expanded through organic growth so far, but protectionist policies are rising,” he said. “So we’re exploring cross-airline relationships - equity or non-equity. It’s a long-term strategy, and it’s too early to say right now whether it will become a reality.”
The three leading Gulf carriers are facing pushback from US and European authorities against rapid growth that has captured more of the lucrative intercontinental travel market. Turkish Airlines, which operates from a hub in Istanbul, hasn’t been targeted so far, though it has been pursuing a similar strategy.
The Turkish carrier is “following some growing airlines” in the US and could even invest in China, Ayci said. India, the fastest-growing major aviation market, also is attractive. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways already has established a bridgehead there through a stake in Jet Airways India, and Qatar Airways plans to open its own unit in the country.
Turkish won’t follow Etihad targeting weaker regional airlines, the executive said. The Gulf airline is re-evaluating that strategy amid struggles at affiliates Alitalia and Air Berlin. An investment strategy is complex for carriers like Turkish, as ownership limitations in many regions of the world limit foreign holdings in airlines.
Turkish Airlines, formally known as Turk Hava Yollari AO, also has looked at Alitalia, which has filed for bankruptcy, Ayci said, though the Rome-based carrier isn’t especially attractive because it generally serves markets where his company already has sufficient exposure.
Turkish Airlines, which serves almost 300 destinations, could pursue joint ventures as an alternative to investment, adding to the relationship it has with Deutsche Lufthansa AG in running short-distance operator SunExpress, Ayci said.