SunExpress

SunExpress was established in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa — two airlines with complementary interests in Turkish tourism aviation. Turkish Airlines sought access to Lufthansa's operational expertise and German market connections, while Lufthansa saw an opportunity to capture the rapidly growing German-Turkish holiday traffic without the complexities of operating its own Turkish carrier. SunExpress launched charter operations in 1990 connecting German airports with Antalya and other Turkish resort airports, immediately catering to the large and growing German package holiday market for Turkish Riviera destinations. The airline gradually expanded its German departure airport coverage through the 1990s and 2000s, establishing a presence at virtually every significant German airport.

SunExpress launched scheduled service alongside its charter operations in the 2000s, offering more flexible booking options for travelers who preferred not to purchase full package holidays. The airline expanded beyond the German market in the 2010s, adding British, Dutch, Swiss, and other European departure markets. SunExpress has maintained its dual identity — serving both the traditional package holiday market and the growing individual traveler segment — throughout its history, with the Lufthansa-Turkish Airlines ownership structure continuing to provide stability and operational excellence.