A qualitative research on startups in the context of sustainable air transportation: The case of Turkey

The air transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation due to increasing environmental concerns, the pursuit of energy efficiency, and the rapid pace of digitalization. In this context, startup ventures are gaining prominence by offering innovative solutions with their agile structures and ability to adapt quickly to technology, especially in areas where traditional aviation actors face limitations. In Turkey, the number of startups contributing to sustainable air transport is growing; however, empirical studies examining their sectoral impact remain limited. This thesis investigates the contributions of ten aviation-focused startups operating in Türkiye through semi-structured interviews, using a qualitative research design. The study is structured as a multiple case study and employs content and thematic analysis techniques. The findings were grouped under five main themes: contributions to sustainability, impacts on innovation processes, challenges encountered (certification, financing, regulation), corporate collaborations and ecosystem dynamics, and the current situation and future projections in Turkey. According to the participants, startups provide value in areas such as emission reduction, digitalization, and artificial intelligence-based solutions, yet face key barriers related to regulatory compliance and access to financing. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship in aviation and provides empirical insights for policymakers, investors, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It also offers strategic recommendations for startups and directions for future research.