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SunExpress Airlines appoints Marcus Schnabel as its new CEO
(MENAFN) According to reports, SunExpress Airlines—a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa—has announced the appointment of Marcus Schnabel as its next chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2026.
The company stated that "He will succeed Max Kownatzki, who will assume a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Eurowings." Schnabel currently works within the Lufthansa Group, where he has served as Deputy Hub Manager in Munich since 2024 and has overseen Ground Operations at Lufthansa’s Munich hub. Under his leadership, the hub implemented a wide-ranging turnaround initiative designed to strengthen operational performance and enhance customer satisfaction, according to reports.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the airline noted that Kownatzki—who has led SunExpress since 2020—will remain in his post until Jan. 31, 2026.
SunExpress Chairman Ahmet Bolat praised Kownatzki’s tenure, stating: “Max Kownatzki assumed a pivotal role at the very onset of the COVID-19 crisis and led SunExpress with a steady hand through one of the most challenging periods our industry has faced. Under his successful leadership, SunExpress delivered strong financial performance, achieving sustainable growth in a highly competitive environment." Bolat also expressed confidence in the incoming leader, remarking, "With a sterling record of leadership and a deep understanding of SunExpress’s mission, he embodies the qualities necessary to navigate the airline through its next phase of growth."
Schnabel commented on his new appointment as well: “SunExpress has firmly established itself as a dynamic and resilient airline, consistently delivering sustainable growth in recent years. I am truly excited to join this exceptional team and help shape the next chapter of its success."
Founded in Antalya as a cooperation between the two national carriers, SunExpress positions itself as a key tourism bridge between Türkiye and Europe, drawing on more than three decades of experience in the leisure aviation sector.
The company stated that "He will succeed Max Kownatzki, who will assume a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Eurowings." Schnabel currently works within the Lufthansa Group, where he has served as Deputy Hub Manager in Munich since 2024 and has overseen Ground Operations at Lufthansa’s Munich hub. Under his leadership, the hub implemented a wide-ranging turnaround initiative designed to strengthen operational performance and enhance customer satisfaction, according to reports.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the airline noted that Kownatzki—who has led SunExpress since 2020—will remain in his post until Jan. 31, 2026.
SunExpress Chairman Ahmet Bolat praised Kownatzki’s tenure, stating: “Max Kownatzki assumed a pivotal role at the very onset of the COVID-19 crisis and led SunExpress with a steady hand through one of the most challenging periods our industry has faced. Under his successful leadership, SunExpress delivered strong financial performance, achieving sustainable growth in a highly competitive environment." Bolat also expressed confidence in the incoming leader, remarking, "With a sterling record of leadership and a deep understanding of SunExpress’s mission, he embodies the qualities necessary to navigate the airline through its next phase of growth."
Schnabel commented on his new appointment as well: “SunExpress has firmly established itself as a dynamic and resilient airline, consistently delivering sustainable growth in recent years. I am truly excited to join this exceptional team and help shape the next chapter of its success."
Founded in Antalya as a cooperation between the two national carriers, SunExpress positions itself as a key tourism bridge between Türkiye and Europe, drawing on more than three decades of experience in the leisure aviation sector.
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