GE Aerospace Türkiye Tech Center Marks 25 Years of Innovation

Introduction

The Türkiye Technology Center (TTC) by GE Aerospace marks a pivotal chapter in the global aerospace narrative as it celebrates 25 years of engineering excellence. What began in 2000 as a modest design office in Gebze with fewer than 40 engineers has transformed into a high-impact innovation hub employing over 500 engineers, scientists, and researchers. This evolution reflects Türkiye’s growing role in the global aerospace ecosystem, driven by strategic investments, talent development, and cutting-edge research.

With the recent inauguration of its Kartal campus in June 2024 and an overall $200 million investment in Türkiye’s technological infrastructure, TTC is now one of GE Aerospace’s five global engineering centers. Its contributions span across commercial engine programs and military engine programs, sustainable aviation initiatives, and advanced manufacturing, positioning it at the forefront of aviation’s future. This article explores the center’s historical development, technical capabilities, sustainability leadership, and economic impact.

Historical Development and Strategic Growth

The Origins of Innovation

GE’s relationship with Türkiye dates back to 1948, with the establishment of a light bulb factory in collaboration with the Koç Group. This early industrial engagement laid the groundwork for deeper aerospace collaborations, including the 1985 formation of TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI), a joint venture with Turkish Aerospace Industries. TTC officially began in 2000 as the Marmara Technology Center, a satellite office supporting U.S.-based engineers.

Initial operations were modest, but the enthusiasm and capability of the early team set the tone for future growth. As early engineer Huriye Akıncı recalls, “There were only 38 people. It was a tiny office, but what I remember most is that the people were so happy to be working there.” The 2007 engineering agreement between TTC, TEI, and GE MTC catalyzed its transformation into a full-fledged R&D hub.

By 2009, TTC had moved into a permanent facility within TUBİTAK’s Gebze campus. Strategic expansions followed, including the 2012 Repair Development Center and the 2014 Aviation Coating Primary Laboratory. The 2018 launch of the GE Additive Technology R&D Center marked a significant leap into the future of digital and additive manufacturing.

“What began as a thermal spray engineering office has transformed into an environmental stewardship center,”, Huriye Akıncı, Program Leader at TTC.

Scaling Up: Kartal Campus and Global Integration

The June 2024 opening of the Kartal campus in Istanbul represents a $50 million investment and a strategic consolidation of R&D capabilities. This four-story facility houses nearly 400 GE Aerospace engineers and technicians, focusing on next-gen propulsion technologies like open fan architecture and hybrid-electric systems.

With this expansion, TTC becomes a central node in GE Aerospace’s global innovation network. It contributes to flagship engine programs such as GEnx, CFM LEAP, and GE9X, and plays a role in Türkiye’s defense initiatives, including the KAAN and HÜRJET aircraft.

Leadership from Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology has been instrumental in this growth. Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized TTC’s role in national industrial strategy, stating, “We are ready to collaborate with GE Aerospace to establish our country as a global and regional production base.”

Technical Capabilities and Sustainable Aviation

Engineering Excellence Across Sectors

TTC’s engineering portfolio is robust and diverse. In the Gebze facility, three advanced laboratories, the Additive Research Lab, Thermofluid Lab, and Advanced Manufacturing and Repair Shop, drive innovation in propulsion system design and validation. These labs support the development of commercial engines like the GEnx and GE9X, and military applications such as the Catalyst engine.

Digital engineering is another cornerstone. TTC develops GE Aerospace’s proprietary 3D simulation and modeling platforms, which reduce prototyping costs by up to 30%. Integration of AI and machine learning has enabled predictive maintenance solutions that cut unscheduled engine removals by 15% globally.

Defense sector contributions are equally significant. TTC supports Türkiye’s indigenous military programs, offering technical expertise that enhances both national defense and commercial aviation. Metallurgical advances from military projects have been adapted for commercial engines, showcasing the center’s cross-sector versatility.

Sustainability and the CFM RISE Program

TTC plays a leading role in the CFM RISE program, a $1 billion initiative aimed at reducing fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to current-generation engines. Engineers at the Kartal campus focus on open fan architecture, compact core designs, and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, technologies critical to the aviation industry’s net-zero emission goals by 2050.

The center also conducts sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility testing, supporting GE Aerospace’s goal to enable 100% SAF operation by 2030. Hydrogen combustion research, including cryogenic fuel systems, is scheduled to begin in 2026, further diversifying TTC’s sustainability portfolio.

Software teams contribute by developing flight optimization algorithms that reduce fuel use by 2–5% per flight. This holistic approach, spanning hardware, fuels, and operations, positions TTC as a leader in aviation decarbonization.

“The RISE program represents a new set of engineering ambitions… We are proud to collaborate with colleagues here and around the world in making progress toward the industry’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”, Dr. Aybike Molbay, General Manager, TTC.

Economic and Workforce Impact in Türkiye

Driving National Industrial Growth

TTC’s designation as an official R&D center by Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology unlocks tax incentives and highlights its strategic importance. With a $150 million annual operational budget, TTC supports about 1,200 indirect jobs through local supply chains and contributes to Türkiye’s aerospace sector, projected to reach $16.35 billion by 2030.

Minister Kacır has emphasized TTC’s role in making Türkiye a global production base for sustainable aviation technologies. The center’s presence has resulted in technology transfer that elevates domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthens Türkiye’s position in global aerospace supply chains.

Turkish Airlines, operating more than 150 GE-powered aircraft, benefits directly from TTC’s localized support, further integrating the center into the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Building the Next Generation of Engineers

TTC partners with Istanbul Technical University and Sabancı University through programs like the Edison Engineering Development Program. Over 70% of participants transition into full-time roles, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled engineers.

Under Dr. Molbay’s leadership, TTC has achieved 35% female representation in engineering roles, three times the global aerospace average. This is the result of targeted university partnerships, unconscious bias training, and mentorship programs aimed at underrepresented groups.

These initiatives not only support workforce diversity but also ensure that Türkiye’s aerospace sector has the talent foundation needed for sustainable growth and innovation.

Conclusion

The GE Aerospace Türkiye Technology Center’s 25-year journey from a small satellite office to a global innovation hub is a testament to Türkiye’s strategic rise in aerospace engineering. TTC’s contributions to commercial and military engine programs, digital engineering, and sustainability initiatives have positioned it as a critical player in GE Aerospace’s global operations.

With its new Kartal campus, expanded workforce, and leadership in next-gen propulsion technologies, TTC is poised to shape the future of aviation. Its alignment with national industrial strategy, commitment to inclusive workforce development, and focus on environmental sustainability make it a model for how global corporations can drive local innovation while addressing global challenges.

FAQ

What is the GE Aerospace Türkiye Technology Center?
It is a global engineering hub established in 2000, currently employing over 500 engineers and researchers, contributing to both commercial and military aerospace programs.

What role does TTC play in sustainable aviation?
TTC leads in the CFM RISE program and conducts research in SAF compatibility, hybrid-electric propulsion, and hydrogen combustion to support net-zero emissions goals.

How does TTC support Türkiye’s economy?
Through a $150 million annual budget, technology transfer, workforce development, and partnerships with local suppliers and universities, TTC significantly contributes to Türkiye’s aerospace sector.

Sources

GE Aerospace