Antalya: SunExpress Airlines, a joint venture of Turkish flag carrier Turkish Airlines and German flag carrier Lufthansa, has announced the appointment of Marcus Schnabel as its new CEO, effective from February 1, 2026. He will succeed Max Kownatzki, who will transition to a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Eurowings, as stated by SunExpress.

According to Anadolu Agency, Marcus Schnabel joins SunExpress from Lufthansa Group, where he has been serving as the Deputy Hub Manager Munich since 2024. In his previous role, Schnabel was responsible for Ground Operations at Lufthansa Airlines' Munich Hub, one of Lufthansa's largest hubs. His tenure was marked by a comprehensive turnaround program aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

To ensure a smooth transition, Max Kownatzki will continue his role as CEO until January 31, 2026. Kownatzki, who has been at the helm since 2020, played a crucial role during the COVID-19 crisis, steering SunExpress through one of the most challenging periods in the aviation industry's history. Under his leadership, SunExpress achieved strong financial performance and sustainable growth despite a highly competitive environment, according to SunExpress Chairman Ahmet Bolat.

Bolat expressed confidence in Schnabel's appointment, citing his impressive leadership record and understanding of SunExpress's mission as key factors for the airline's future growth. Schnabel himself expressed enthusiasm about joining the SunExpress team, recognizing the airline's reputation as a dynamic and resilient carrier with a track record of sustainable growth.

Established in Antalya, SunExpress functions as a tourism ambassador between Trkiye and Europe, leveraging 35 years of experience in leisure airline services. The airline operates flights to 237 routes across 35 countries, serving nearly 15 million passengers annually with a workforce of over 4,500 employees stationed in Antalya, Frankfurt, Izmir, Ankara, and Dalaman.