Name: Cenk Ocal Title: General Manager Company, city: Turkish Airlines, New York Number of employees: 50 (New York) Recent project: Creating a new marketing campaign aimed at B2B customers First job: Flight attendant, Turkish Airlines Little-known fact about you: I am the former general manager of Turkish Airlines in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: We balance customer satisfaction with profitability and operational efficiency. Best way to keep a competitive edge: Maintain humility and continuously seek improvement rather than declaring finished success. Yardstick of success: Keeping flights full while ensuring passengers remain happy and well cared for.
Cenk Ocal as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? My cellphone. How do you spend your time on board? I use my phone and take advantage of Turkish Airlines’ in-flight WiFi to work or stay connected. What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Cipriani. What is your favorite destination in the world? New York.
About Turkish Airlines
Tell our readers about the Miles&Smiles loyalty program. Miles&Smiles is one of the industry’s most generous frequent-flyer programs. It has four tiers—Classic, Classic Plus, Elite and Elite Plus—and even Classic members enjoy meaningful benefits when flying with Turkish Airlines. We continue to develop new earning opportunities and aim to establish Miles&Smiles as a leading loyalty option in the United States as we have in Europe. As a member of Star Alliance, miles earned with us can also be redeemed on other partner carriers, offering flexibility and broader travel options.
What can travelers expect from Turkish Airlines in 2016, particularly on the U.S. East Coast? A major milestone in 2016 was the launch of our Atlanta (ATL) gateway in May, providing daily nonstop service to Istanbul (IST). We remain committed to expanding our global network, adding new destinations, and reinforcing our position as the airline that flies to more countries than any other. On the East Coast, travelers can also look forward to enhanced ground facilities: we planned to open a CIP Lounge at JFK Terminal 1 to complement our award-winning CIP Lounge in Istanbul, offering passengers another example of Turkish hospitality and comfort.
What can premium travelers expect from a trip to Turkey? As the flagship carrier, can you share your favorite things to see and do in Turkey? Turkey offers a rich mix of history, culture, natural beauty and high-end hospitality that appeals to a broad range of travelers. Premium visitors can expect top-tier service both in the air and on the ground—luxurious hotels, fine dining, curated private tours, and exclusive experiences. Istanbul alone blends world-class museums, historic sites like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, and vibrant culinary scenes. Beyond the city, destinations such as Cappadocia, with its unique landscapes and hot-air-balloon experiences, the Turquoise Coast with its pristine waters, and the ancient ruins scattered across Anatolia all deliver unforgettable moments. Combined with Turkish Airlines’ award-winning business-class service, a trip to Turkey becomes a comfortable, memorable journey tailored to discerning travelers.