The Board of Directors of SunExpress, the joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has appointed Marcus Schnabel as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2026. He will take over from Max Kownatzki, who is set to become CEO of Eurowings.
Schnabel joins SunExpress from the Lufthansa Group, where since 2024 he has overseen Ground Operations at the Munich hub and served as Deputy Hub Manager. During his tenure, he led a comprehensive turnaround programme at one of Lufthansa’s largest hubs, aimed at strengthening operational performance and improving customer satisfaction.
Kownatzki, who has served as CEO of SunExpress since 2020, will remain in post until January 31, 2026, to ensure a seamless transition.
Reflecting on his forthcoming role, Schnabel remarked that SunExpress has established itself as a dynamic and resilient carrier, delivering sustained growth in recent years. He noted that he looks forward to joining the airline’s team and helping to shape its next phase of development by further reinforcing market position, supporting operational excellence, and contributing to the future of aviation and tourism.
