Now, I’d like you to come join me in Istanbul, at the IATA Commercial Strategy Symposium (more details here)!

I’ve been invited to deliver a pre-conference workshop and speak on how airline brands can drive engagement, loyalty and revenues from the latest Web 2.0 technologies. I will also be the Chairman of the eMarketing track. In conjunction with that, IATA has kindly agreed to give away two free passes to the Symposium to SimpliFlying readers (yes, you!).

Read on to learn how you can be part of this respected aviation event in Istanbul, and rub shoulders with the likes of Patrick Murphy, former Chairman of Ryanair and Dr Temel Kotil, the CEO of Turkish Airlines.

How to win two passes to attend IATA CSS?

It’s simple. Just do either of the two things below.

1. On the blog: Leave a comment on this article answering this question: Which is the foremost challenge airlines face today and how would you solve it?
2. On Twitter: Follow @SimpliFlying and Tweet to us in 140 chars Why you’d like to attend the IATA CSS in Istanbul? In your Tweet, you must mention @simpliflying (for tracking) and the URL for this article: http://bit.ly/IATACSS .

It’s that simple. Two winners will be announced on 30 Nov 2010, through a lucky draw. So the more you Tweet, and the more you comment, the better the chances of winning.

So, what’re you waiting for? Get started right now. And you never know, we might just meet face to face in a few weeks in Istanbul!

For those of you interested in attending the event, you can still get the early bird discount by entering code “CSSEBOK” when you register, having $100 per person! Hurry, register now!

And if you’d like a taste of what it’s going to be about, register for the free webinar “Selling Levis to airline customers – the Amazon strategy for airlines to increase revenues and reduce cost” to be held on 3 Dec 2010, by speaker Ursula Silling and myself.

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Right in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, Turkish Airlines had this flagrant display of teenagers in red, visible not just to all the conference attendees but also to those passing by the hotel (see pic below). And they had totally stolen the thunder from Malaysia Airlines, which had paid thousands of dollars for being the official sponsor of the conference.

Turkish Airlines had announced its presence, and in quite some style. After spending some time with Dr Temel Kotil, the airlines’ humble CEO, I feel other competitors should be vary of the rising star from Turkey.

Why’s Turkish the atypical Middle Eastern airline?

Dr Kotil mentions a number of points in the video interview below which prove that Turkish Airlines in not yet another Middle Eastern airline with global ambitions. Rather, it’s doing things differently, connecting with customers differently and is not just going after explosive growth. Here’s why I believe they pack a punch.

• Turkish Airlines was one of the Top 4 most profitable airlines in the world in 2008 (according to AviationWeek TPC)
• The current cash reserves of $1.5 billion are certainly adequate for surviving the recession and measured growth
• It leverages its membership of the Star Alliance when entering new markets – something most other carriers in Middle East lack
• Turkish hires locals when it enters new markets – key to reaching out to the local customers and cater to local tastes
• Turkish is working hard on delivering a consistently great product, with special focus on the in-flight cuisine – certainly a brand differentiator

In Dr Kotil’s words, “Potential is high, and ambition is big for Turkish Airlines…and quality doesn’t need a passport.” Hope you enjoy his interview in which he talks about what makes Turkish hard to ignore.

Isn‘t it a good feeling to hear some positivity in these gloomy times in the industry? What do you think about Turkish Airlines’ prospects viz-a-viz other Middle Eastern carriers? Let’s discuss in the comments or over on Twitter (@simpliflying)

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