Turkish Airlines and “Flying for Good” Warm Hearts in Tanzania

Turkish Airlines' "Flying for Good Platform," created by its volunteer cabin crew, is committed to spreading joy and aid to those in need. Recently, they visited the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, delighting hundreds of children. Yahya Üstün, Turkish Airlines' Press Advisor, shared a heartfelt message on social media about their touching journey.

The Largest Aid Movement in Eight Years

Founded eight years ago, this platform embarked on its largest aid mission to date. The team included Turkish Airlines Cabin Chief and platform founder Sinem Güldal, pilots Ferihan Işık, Nurdan Karataş, Vehbi İlhan Sayhan, and cabin crew members Elif Aksoy, Eren Akbaki, Ülgen Tunç, Seray Gürdal, Sabit Coşkun, Nihan Ceyda Ünlü, Doğan Kuyucu, Setenay Er, and Nur Hilal Bilgin. Captain pilot Ferihan Işık highlighted their mission's significance, noting their visits to over 300 destinations in 126 countries, some lacking basic necessities like clean water.

Turkish Airlines Spreads Joy

Ferihan Işık shared feelings of both happiness and sadness, witnessing their organization's impact on people's lives. She felt honored to be part of this mission. Second pilot Nurdan Karataş emphasized, "Nothing in the world is more important than the happiness of children," expressing gratitude to her colleagues’ contributions.

Impressions from Tanzania

Elif Aksoy’s Emotional Experience

Elif Aksoy shared a deeply moving experience where children at the orphanage ran to hug them, bringing her to tears. She highlighted the severe challenges in Africa, explaining their duty to address children’s basic needs. Contributions from ambassadors and Turkish businessmen enabled children to receive quality education. She described the extreme poverty seen during home visits and committed to continuing their aid. During their visit, they delivered 16 suitcases filled with gifts for the children.
Seray Gürdal’s Perspective

Seray Gürdal encouraged everyone to visit such places to better appreciate their circumstances. Noting the vast differences in living standards, she urged for more gratitude. She emphasized that sharing enhances the abundance of everything.

Thought-Provoking Messages

Dar es Salaam Ambassador Ali Davutoğlu highlighted the crucial role of the Ashure Foundation Orphanage, established by Turkish citizens and now home to 65 orphans under the honorary presidency of his wife, Yeşim Meço Davutoğlu. Yahya Üstün’s social media post beautifully summed up their mission: "About 8,000 kilometers away; if an orphaned child you meet for the first time hugs you sincerely and their eyes sparkle, it means you have touched their heart."

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Airlines' Charity Initiative

What is the “Flying for Good Platform”?

The “Flying for Good Platform” is a volunteer initiative formed by Turkish Airlines cabin crew. Founded eight years ago, the platform strives to assist those in need and improve their living conditions. Recently, they conducted a significant aid mission at the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing joy to numerous children.

Why did Turkish Airlines volunteers choose Tanzania?

Tanzania was selected due to its high level of need, particularly at the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam. The volunteers aimed to provide assistance in a region where even clean water is scarce, ensuring children's access to education, health, and daily necessities, thereby enhancing their living standards.

Most Frequently Asked

What inspired the creation of the "Flying for Good Platform"?

The "Flying for Good Platform" was created by Turkish Airlines' cabin crew volunteers, driven by a deep desire to assist those in need and spread joy wherever possible. Founded eight years ago, the platform was initiated to leverage the unique position of flight crew members who frequently travel to various parts of the world. Utilizing their global reach and resources, these volunteers can address critical needs in underprivileged regions. The recent mission to the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, demonstrates their commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

How has the "Flying for Good Platform" grown over the years?

Since its inception eight years ago, the "Flying for Good Platform" has significantly expanded its scope and impact. Starting with smaller, local initiatives, the platform has grown to support large-scale missions across various continents. The recent aid mission to the Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Tanzania is the largest yet, involving multiple Turkish Airlines employees, including pilots, cabin crew, and other volunteers. By visiting over 300 destinations in 126 countries, the platform has continually met basic needs such as clean water, education, and health care, touching countless lives along the way.

Why was the Ashure Foundation Orphanage chosen for the recent mission?

The Ashure Foundation Orphanage in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was selected due to its elevated level of need. As a region that struggles with accessing basic necessities like clean water, education, and healthcare, Dar es Salaam represented an area where the impact of aid would be significantly felt. The orphanage, established by Turkish citizens and now housing 65 orphans, provided an ideal setting for the mission. The volunteers aimed to improve the living standards of the children by delivering gifts, educational materials, and other essentials, ensuring they receive quality care and opportunities for a better future.

Who is Yahya Üstün?

Born in Istanbul in 1985, Yahya Üstün completed his higher education in 2011 at Maltepe University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Visual Communication Design. Alongside his university education, Üstün held various positions in the media sector. In 2012, he was appointed as ATV's London Representative.

After serving in London for a year, Üstün pursued studies in International Media and Communication in London between 2014 and 2016. Üstün, who has held significant roles in the Turkish media sector, served as the General Broadcasting Manager of ATV Europe. As of January 2016, he has been serving as the Press Advisor for Turkish Airlines. Üstün has held board membership positions in numerous sports clubs and federations. Yahya Üstün is proficient in English and has a basic knowledge of Arabic.