Civil aviation as an element of soft power in Turkish foreign policy: Turkish Airlines case study

The political, socio-economic, cultural, commercial and technological improvements in today's world removed all the obstacles that slow down globalization and turned the world into societies which need each other and are in communication with. Improving trade and technology, triggered people demand to move and travel to different parts of the world and thus air transportation became the most reliable, minimizing the distance quickly option. In a globalizing world, establishing several bodies about civil aviation became necessary in order to form the standards in quality, safety, hygiene, navigation systems, the training of aviation personnel and the purpose of implementing aviation activities in the maximum safety and quality. In this study, the overall structure of the civil aviation, the history of aviation in Turkey, Turkish foreign policy and policy components are examined, focusing onto Turkish Airlines Incorporate Company, established in 1933, with the name of Governmental General Management. In this regard, whether new opened THY destinations is parallel with Turkish foreign policy followed is determined, with an insight to effectiveness of politicians at intra-firm decisions. And also discussed, THY the undertook ''Soft Power'' mission of Turkey or not. In the conclusion, the idea of private entities other than Turkish Airlines (THY) undertaking similar missions is suggested. Meanwhile, need of encouraging aviation sector that grows rapidly is mentioned. Keywords: THY, Soft Power, Foreign Policy, Civil Aviation