Skyway Balloons

Eray BORA

General Manager | Chief Pilot |

Recognized for over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, Eray BORA is a distinguished professional who has made significant contributions to operational discipline, flight safety, and pilot training. Within Skyway Balloons, he serves as General Manager and Chief Pilot, while also actively holding the positions of Head of Training and Flight Instructor at the company’s flight school. With more than 4,000 flight hours and operational experience across different geographies, Eray is not only a pilot who performs flights but also a leader who trains pilots, builds systems, and fosters a strong safety culture. He has directly contributed to the training and development of many pilots currently operating in the region. For Eray, flying is not merely a profession, but also a form of rehabilitation. The sky represents both therapy and freedom for him. He reflects this passion in every flight, prioritizing not only his own discipline but also the safety and experience of his passengers. Beyond his professional achievements, Eray is a devoted family man. As the father of Armina and Rüzgar, his most valuable role is being a family leader. This balance positively influences his professional discipline and decision-making approach.

Kıvanç ÖZTÜRK

Ground Operations Manager & Pilot |

With 34 years of aviation experience, Kıvanç Öztürk is considered one of the most respected and distinguished figures in the industry. He first gained national recognition as a prominent athlete of the Turkish National Parachuting Team, earning respect within the aviation community through his discipline and competitive spirit. For the past 16 years, he has been actively involved in the hot air balloon sector, where his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a highly regarded professional among both experienced aviators and aviation enthusiasts. Within Skyway Balloons, he serves as Ground Operations Manager and Hot Air Balloon Pilot, holding over 2,000 flight hours. His diverse background in multiple aviation disciplines positions him not only as a pilot, but also as an expert who closely follows industry developments, manages operational processes, and produces innovative solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Kıvanç deeply values his family life. He shares a special bond with his daughter Ülkü, maintaining a strong balance between his professional discipline and family devotion. Kıvanç Öztürk aims to contribute to the continued development of hot air ballooning in Türkiye by sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow aviation professionals and the wider community.

Abdullah KOYUER

Pilot |

Abdullah KOYUER is a trusted and experienced pilot with nearly 20 years in the aviation industry. Having conducted flights across different geographical regions, he has developed a broad operational perspective and strong adaptability to varying weather conditions and field environments. With more than 2,500 flight hours, Abdullah is recognized for his safety-oriented mindset and disciplined operational approach. He meticulously plans each flight, carefully evaluates meteorological analyses, and consistently prioritizes passenger safety above all else. While he demonstrates a controlled and disciplined character in the sky, on the ground he is a true adventure enthusiast. His passion for ATV riding, horseback riding, and motocross reflects his deep connection with nature. Abdullah enjoys experiencing adrenaline in a controlled and conscious manner and is widely known for his love and respect for animals — one of the strongest traits of his character. As a devoted father, Abdullah takes great pride in his daughters, Defne and Adel. His strong sense of responsibility toward his children and his deep bond with nature positively influence his determination and professionalism in aviation. For Abdullah KOYUER, flying is not merely a profession — it is a way of life shaped by passion, discipline, and a profound sense of freedom.

Süleyman ÖZCAN

Pilot |

Süleyman ÖZCAN is a disciplined and continuously developing pilot with nearly 7 years of experience in the aviation industry. With more than 750 flight hours, he has steadily strengthened his operational competence and adopted safety-focused flight principles as the foundation of his professional approach. In addition to his aviation career, he has been involved in ISO 9001:2008 quality management activities, gaining experience in quality processes, procedural compliance, and operational standards implementation. This background enables him to maintain a structured and systematic approach to flight operations. Süleyman is also passionate about sports and actively works in bodybuilding, providing personal training services. He applies the principles of discipline, planning, and sustainable development both in his athletic pursuits and aviation career. In his personal life, he is deeply devoted to his son, Fatih Çınar. Embracing the responsibilities of fatherhood with dedication, Süleyman balances his family life with the same discipline and determination that define his professional career. For Süleyman Özcan, flying represents a professional journey shaped by discipline, quality, and continuous improvement.

Murat ÜNSALAN

Co-Pilot |

Aviation has always held a special place in Murat Ünsalan’s life, and he has successfully transformed this passion into a professional career. He has been actively working in the hot air balloon industry for 15 years, beginning his journey as a ground crew member where he gained hands-on operational experience. Through his work on the ground, Murat developed a comprehensive understanding of every stage of balloon operations — from preparation and inflation to landing coordination. This experience allowed him to deeply appreciate the importance of teamwork, coordination, and discipline in ensuring flight safety. For the past five years, he has been serving as a Co-Pilot, actively participating in the balloon’s journey through the sky. In this role, he supports flight safety, assists in piloting operations, and contributes to the efficient management of each flight. For Murat, every flight represents a unique combination of nature’s beauty and aviation’s structured discipline. His goal is to continue developing his piloting skills while working alongside his dedicated ground team colleagues to deliver safe, professional, and enjoyable flights.

Ahmet Özbek

Co-Pilot |

Ahmet ÖZBEK has been actively involved in aviation operations for nearly 10 years. Having served as an Operations Supervisor for many years, he has gained extensive experience in flight planning, field organization, and team coordination. Through continuous professional development, he earned the title of Co-Pilot and has been actively flying in this role for the past 4 years. By combining his strong operational background with in-flight experience, he ensures seamless coordination between ground operations and cockpit discipline. He believes that every successful flight is built upon detailed planning, structured preparation, and strong teamwork. Safety and operational efficiency remain at the core of his professional approach. Goal; To integrate his operational expertise into flight operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, consistency, and operational excellence.

Kenan ÖZENMİŞ

Quality Manager & Pilot |

With 14 years of experience in the aviation industry, Kenan Özenmiş is a proven professional in his field. Within the Skyway Balloons family, he serves as Quality Manager and Pilot, while also undertaking significant responsibilities in flight training organizations as a Compliance Monitoring Manager and Flight Instructor. With over 2,000 flight hours, Kenan is not only an operational pilot but also an instructor who ensures the implementation of quality standards, monitors regulatory compliance, and contributes to the training of many student pilots. The pilots he has trained are now actively operating in the aviation sector. In addition to his passion for aviation, Kenan has a strong interest in automobiles. In his free time, he enjoys attending car-related events with his family. The most valuable part of his life is his son, Karan, who is his greatest source of happiness and inspiration. Kenan dedicates his free time to guiding his son and creating meaningful memories together. Balancing professional discipline with strong family values, Kenan Özenmiş approaches every flight with a deep commitment to safety, quality, and responsibility.

Emre BORA

Flight Instructor Pilot |

Emre BORA has been a dedicated and reliable pilot within Skyway Balloons for over seven years. Since the beginning of his aviation career, he has continuously developed his skills, gaining strong experience in both professional piloting and flight instruction. Serving as a Flight Instructor, he provides structured, safety-focused training in accordance with international standards. With over 1,500 flight hours, Emre has strengthened his operational competence and built a reputation as a calm, controlled, and solution-oriented pilot. Beyond his technical expertise, Emre is widely recognized for his warm, cheerful, and welcoming personality. His sincere communication with guests enhances the overall flight experience, turning each flight into a memorable and enjoyable journey. For him, every takeoff is not just an operation, but a carefully guided and safe experience in the sky. As a proud father of three daughters — Sude, Sena, and Selen — Emre finds great happiness in watching them grow. His strong sense of responsibility and dedication to his family positively reflects on his professional discipline. With determination in the sky and warmth on the ground, Emre BORA continues to inspire both his students and his passengers.

Kemal AYGÖRDÜ

Pilot |

Kemal AYGÖRDÜ is an experienced pilot and respected figure in the aviation industry, with over 20 years of professional experience. With more than 2,000 flight hours, he is recognized as a professional who consistently prioritizes safety and passenger satisfaction. Maintaining high standards in both his professional and personal life, Kemal is known for his disciplined operational approach and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. His calm, controlled, and solution-oriented mindset ensures safe and smooth flight operations. His passion for adventure extends beyond aviation. Living closely connected to nature, Kemal organizes ATV tours, offering guests memorable and enjoyable outdoor experiences. His goal is not merely to provide a tour, but to create lasting and meaningful memories. Animals hold a special place in his life philosophy. His beloved Arabian horse, Küheylan, and his loyal wolfdog, Barut, are among his closest companions. His deep respect for nature and animals reflects one of the strongest aspects of his character. For Kemal Aygördü, life is not limited to flight hours alone. His passion for nature, adventure, and animals brings depth and balance to both his professional and personal life. Through this harmony, he continues to inspire those around him.

Mert DİZBAY

Pilot |

Mert DİZBAY has established a strong position in the world of hot air ballooning as a passionate Pilot and Co-Pilot. His interest in aviation began at a young age and gradually evolved into a professional career through dedicated training and hands-on operational experience. With nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, İsmail started his career as a Ground Crew Member, gaining comprehensive knowledge of balloon operations from the field. He later advanced to the role of Team Leader, taking responsibility for operational coordination, safety planning, and team management — building a solid technical and leadership foundation. Over time, he progressed to serving as a Co-Pilot and later as a Pilot, consistently prioritizing flight safety and passenger satisfaction. He actively contributes to flight planning, weather monitoring, navigation, and landing organization to ensure each operation is conducted safely and efficiently. For İsmail, ballooning is not just a profession — it is a lifestyle that requires understanding nature, wind, and the sky. In every flight, he combines safety with passion, aiming to provide passengers with a truly unforgettable experience. His journey from ground operations to pilot represents a success story shaped by professionalism, dedication, and continuous improvement.

Süleyman KARTAŞMIŞ

Co-Pilot |

Süleyman KARTAŞMIŞ dedicated over 10 years to ground operations before advancing his career through continuous professional development and earning his qualification as a Co-Pilot. His extensive field experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of operational structure, preparation standards, and team coordination — a foundation he seamlessly integrates into flight operations. For the past 3 years, he has been actively serving as a Co-Pilot, combining operational discipline with in-flight precision. He firmly believes that every successful flight is the result of meticulous planning, structured preparation, and strong crew synergy. Safety, consistency, and professionalism remain at the core of his aviation philosophy. Outside of aviation, Süleyman has a deep appreciation for nature and enjoys fishing. He is devoted to his daughter, Aysima, and his family, who serve as his greatest source of motivation and inspiration. Professional Objective; To continuously elevate operational and flight standards while upholding the highest level of safety and discipline.