Mahmud Sami Karaca

International relations specialist with four years at Turkish Airlines, progressing from a part-time appointment in 2022 to a full-time alliances role in 2023. Responsible for civil aviation relations and commercial agreements across a Middle East and Africa portfolio of more than ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Nigeria and Uganda. Experienced in interline, special prorate (SPA) and codeshare agreements, and in hosting partner-airline delegations after commercial negotiations.

International Relations & Alliances Specialist, Middle East & Africa at Turkish Airlines (THY) (2022-07 – 2026-10)

Part-time from 2022, full-time from 2023

• Regional portfolio. Managed civil aviation relations and strategic alliances for more than ten markets across the Middle East and Africa, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Nigeria and Uganda.
• Missions and sole representation. Conducted civil aviation and commercial negotiations abroad, including repeated official missions to Ethiopia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, regularly as the airline’s sole delegate.
• Stakeholder management. Hosted senior executive delegations from partner airlines at headquarters following commercial discussions and maintained the bilateral relationship afterwards.
• Industry representation. Represented the flag carrier at IATA and AFRAA summits and other international aviation conferences, developing partnership leads.
• Agreement administration. Coordinated interline, special prorate (SPA) and codeshare agreements used to extend network reach beyond the operated schedule.

B.A. in Political Science & International Relations – Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (2019 – 2026)

Advanced English Language Programme – International East African University, Kampala (2022 – 2022)