Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Tourism, Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program organized a panel event, within the scope of International Civil Aviation Day, on 7 December 2024 at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. Director of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Civil Aviation Department Mustafa Sofi, General Manager of XP Travel Zeki Ziya, Turkish Airlines TRNC Manager Pınar Ayvaz Arıkan and retired captain pilot Ali Karaçoban attended the event as panellists.
The opening ceremony of the panel was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Faculty of Tourism Acting Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mine Haktanır, faculty members and students.
Importance of Civil Aviation in TRNC Stressed
Delivering the opening speech of the event, EMU Faculty of Tourism Acting Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mine Haktanır underscored the importance of Tourism and Aviation sector in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haktanır highlighted the vital role of civil aviation development in advancing tourism to new heights, sharing that the Civil Aviation Cabin Services program at EMU Faculty of Tourism hosts events annually on International Civil Aviation Day to raise awareness among students and expand their career prospects. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haktanır also mentioned that students would gain valuable knowledge through the participation of industry leaders in the panel and, expressed her hope for the event to be a successful and impactful one.
“Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program is a Significant Educational Area with its 240 Students”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç said; “These events not only provide educational benefits for you, our students, but also help increase our own awareness by keeping us updated on the latest developments in the sector. As you know, 7th of December is observed as International Civil Aviation Day each year. Today, we are fortunate to have distinguished guests who will share insights into advancements in this field. The Civil Aviation Cabin Services program at our Faculty of Tourism, with its 240 students, is a significant educational area. Cyprus, being an island nation, relies heavily on aviation and tourism. In a region with limited transportation options, tourism cannot develop effectively. Therefore, the progress of civil aviation is crucial for the further development of tourism. The knowledge and contributions shared by our esteemed guests today will be invaluable for the growth of the industry”.
Flight Tickets Gifted to Students
During the event, Turkish Airlines (THY) and Pegasus Airlines held a raffle for the participating students. As a result, THY gifted a round-trip ticket covering 350 routes to one student, while Pegasus Airlines provided five students with round-trip tickets for 8 routes each. The event concluded with Prof. Dr. Kılıç presenting gifts to the panellists, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haktanır awarding certificates of appreciation.
