The First Concessionary Company in the Commercial Airline Transport in the Early Years of the Republic: Aero Espresso Italiana (1924-1935)

Abstract

Transport by airmail in Turkey started in 1914 for soldiers and civilians for the first time. The transport by airmail for military purposes was rather conducted by Germans during the First World War. With the Armistice of Mudros, this transportation was maintained by the occupation forces. The transportation intended for civilians was limited to the experiences that took place in 1914 and 1922. By the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the competition of the German, Italian and French companies began for obtaining a concession from the Turkish Government. The first concession was acquired by Aero Espresso Italiana in 1924 for 20 years. Aero Espresso was founded on December 15, 1923 in Rome. The company planned regular flights between Ankara- Istanbul- Izmir and Brindisi by seaplanes to transport mail, parcels and passengers, but was able to regularly fly on the Istanbul- Athens- Brindisi route. The first flight was made on August 1, 1926 with three Savioa Marchetti model seaplanes. The Turkish Government allocated about 20- acre land along the Buyukdere coast for the company's flight area and other needs. The flights of the company operating from the headquarters in Buyukdere were interrupted from time to time. The concession of the company, which started flights in 1928, ended in 1935. Aero Espresso was later acquired by the Italian State company SAM on June 1, 1934. The company continued flights under its own name until August 31, 1935 when it was reorganized under the name of Italian State airlines " Ala Littoria". The company made its last private flight between Athens and Istanbul.