
Enhancing Turkish aviation along with Ünka Airfield Solutions
At AES Airport Solutions, we take pride in our global network of trusted partners who help us bring world-class airport lighting solutions to clients across the globe. Today, we’re having the pleasure to introduce Ünka Airfield Solutions as our dedicated and exclusive representative in Turkey. Murat Karaderili will answer several questions on behalf of Ünka. Ünka Airfield Solutions plays a crucial role in helping Turkish airports enhance safety and efficiency with our state-of-the-art Airfield Lighting solutions manufactured by Airsafe.

In this exclusive interview, we ask Murat about his experience and insights into the Turkish aviation market, and what makes AES Airport Solutions a trusted name in the industry.
1. Why did you decide to start your journey into the AGL sector as General Director of Ünka, and what aspects of this industry do you find most rewarding?
First of all, it was an advantage that I graduated from the aviation sector which lead me to be close to airports and felt atracted by the industry, but the biggest chance was the guidance of my wife’s brother.
Apart from that, the biggest reasons for my preference are as follows:
Passion for Aviation and Safety:«I’ve always been fascinated by aviation and how crucial it is to ensure that aircraft can operate safely under all conditions.»
Interest in Technology and Engineering: «The AGL sector is at the intersection of advanced technology and engineering. I’m drawn to how the lighting systems are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, support modern airports, and incorporate cutting-edge technologies like LED lighting and smart systems. It’s a great opportunity to combine my passion for technology with my interest in aviation.»
Global and Growing Industry: «The aviation industry is growing rapidly worldwide, and with that growth comes a heightened demand for advanced airfield lighting systems. The AGL sector offers a stable and rewarding career, with opportunities to work on projects internationally. I wanted to be part of an industry that is constantly evolving and has a direct impact on global connectivity and security.»
2. As UNKA Airfield Solutions, what is the most exciting aspect of partnering with AES Airport Solutions–Airsafe in Turkey?
Definitely, bringing Advanced Technology to Turkey. Airsafe is a global leader in airfield lighting, and AES’s reputation in safety and security solutions aligns perfectly with Turkey’s growing aviation sector. Together, we can offer innovative solutions that will improve both safety and efficiency at airports across the country.
Turkey’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia makes it an important global aviation hub. By representing AES-Airsafe in Turkey, Ünka helps strengthen global ties and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology between the Turkish aviation industry and the wider international market. This international collaboration will open up new opportunities for both AES and Turkish airports.
3. Can you share a recent success story of how AES Airport Solutions has improved lighting systems at a Turkish airport?
In 2024, we had received the Rize-Artvin airport CAT II conversion and ILCMS control system construction work. Its completion and successful commissioning with AES and Airsafe brand products was a great success for us and it was also a great reference for Turkey.
In Turkey, we have now gained a place in the sector with really good references and very successful projects in ALCMS, ILCMS, regulators, approach mast and armatures.

4. What do you believe sets AES Airport Solutions-Airsafe apart from other airport lighting providers in the market?
AES’s global presence and experience in numerous international markets provide a wealth of expertise in meeting diverse regulatory requirements and adapting to local conditions. Their ability to manage projects on a global scale, while offering local support, ensures they deliver high-quality solutions tailored to specific regional needs.
AES has an impressive portfolio of successful installations at some of the world’s busiest airports. Their ability to deliver large-scale projects on time, within budget, and with high customer satisfaction sets them apart from competitors.
AES & Airsafe products and solutions adhere to the most stringent regulatory standards, including those from ICAO, FAA, and EASA. This ensures that their lighting systems meet the highest levels of safety and performance for international airfields.
5. What challenges do Turkish airports face regarding lighting infrastructure, and how does AES Airport Solutions address them?
Turkish Civil Aviation requires the highest standards of compliance for the airfield ground lighting, including ICAO and FAA certification. AES Airport Solutions’ products are certified to meet international standards, including those set by ICAO, EASA and FAA. This ensures that their lighting systems not only comply with the regulatory requirements but also meet the highest safety and performance standards for airfield operations. AES contributes to Turkish airports stay compliant with these standards during both new installations and upgrades, providing peace of mind to operators and stakeholders.
A major challenge for us is that orders are not placed on time. The negotiations and project definition are usually long processes, and after the decision is made, there is constant pressure from the customer about the delivery time of the equipment. In this regard, thanks to an excellent coordination job between UNKA, AES and Airsafe support the customer needs by ensuring there is no delay in production. AES creates clear, detailed project timelines at the start of each project.
In addition to this, AES AGL technical team carries out an excellent preliminary job at examining the AGL design into detail in order to detect omissions or errors that can negatively impact the site works and installation. The support provided by AES during the project definition is very well appreciated by the customers since it reduces potential extra costs due to lack of project definition.
Finally, Turkish customers request additional warranty periods. AES can offer extended warranty programs on all products ensuring that airports are protected for a significant period post-installation. This demonstrates AES’s confidence in the reliability of their systems and provides the customer with peace of mind.
6. How does AES Airport Solutions support this airports after the installation of their lighting systems?
If an urgent issue arises, such as lighting failures or other critical problems that could impact airport safety, AES ensures rapid response times through their support channels. They are committed to minimizing downtime by dispatching technical experts swiftly to resolve any problems.
AES and Airsafe provide extended warranties for their lighting products, ensuring that if a part fails within the warranty period, they are commited to replace or repair it at no additional cost.
Thanks to an excellent coordination job between UNKA and AES, we ensure that critical spare parts such as LED modules, cables, and controllers are readily available at local warehouses or partner facilities in Barcelona.
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We want to thank our partner Ünka Aifield Solutions for his collaboration to carry out this interview.
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