R.Alper Ozen, Vice President Marketing & Sales (Africa) of Turkish Airlines in an interview with Cameroon Tribune at the company's headquarters in Istanbul, spoke about the strides, challenges and prospects of the company.

Q: What has been the secret behind Turkish Airlines’ growing successes over the years?

A: We fly to more countries than any other airline. Our strength is in our geographical location. We are located in the middle of the world and we also have a cost advantage, besides the wide body range aircrafts and quality services on the aircrafts.

We hope that by the end of 2015, we can acquire over 293 planes with the hope that our financial situation will grow up to 12 billion dollars.

Q: Why does Turkish Airlines have a special interest in Africa and are you striving to conquer Africa with Africans?

A: Our government is focused on Africa and we are following our President. We love Africa because all history comes from there. The future of Africa is good. Its political and economic stability are very important for business.

There are so many Africans coming to Turkey and so many Turkish going to Africa. Today, we are flying to 43 destinations in Africa and we are working together with Africans. We have approximately 400-500 African employees in Africa.

Only some general and station managers are coming from Turkey. The rest of the staff are from Africa and are Africans. We want to grow up together because we are in for a win-win partnership.

Q: What is the place of Turkish Airlines in Turkey’s economy?

A: Without being specific, Turkish Airlines may be contributing about 10 per cent to the economy of Turkey. Turkey does not have oil, we don’t have gold but we are working and producing.

If you produce you will grow and the contrary will wind you out. Turkish Airlines is striving to be the number one airlines company in the world. We have young employees who are ambitious.

Q: But it is all not a bed of roses, one would imagine…

A: Yes of course. Turkish Airlines, like any other, has challenges. The problem of oil prices is challenging to everybody.

In the next five years, Turkish Airlines will have another airport in Istanbul with a capacity to host over 500 aircrafts. The project is ongoing and upon completion, it will have six runways and four terminals with a capacity of hosting over 150 million passengers.