ACES Colombia vs SunExpress

Global Network and Operations

ACES Colombia was historically a prominent regional airline that operated extensively within Colombia and neighboring South American countries. Established in 1980, ACES efficiently connected major domestic destinations primarily from its hub at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. The airline's fleet mainly consisted of turboprop and regional jets suited for short-haul and medium-haul flights, including ATR 42s and Fokker 50 aircraft. While it did not belong to any global alliance, ACES played a vital role in facilitating regional connectivity and served leisure and business travelers alike.

Innovation and Milestones

Throughout its operation, ACES Colombia introduced several advancements in Colombian regional air travel:
• Pioneered regional connectivity by focusing on underserved secondary cities within Colombia.
• Implemented efficient turboprop operations that optimized short runway performance in mountainous regions.
• Enhanced service reliability and flight frequency, boosting local economic development.
• Focused on operational safety and customer service standards in regional aviation.

Customer Experience and Recognition

ACES Colombia offered a straightforward cabin setup primarily in economy class, with a focus on punctuality and friendly service. While the airline did not provide extensive in-flight entertainment or premium cabin options typical of larger international carriers, it emphasized reliability and accessibility. The airline maintained a solid safety record and was well-regarded for its role in making domestic air travel affordable and efficient in Colombia's challenging geography.

Future Outlook

Though ACES Colombia ceased operations in 2003, its legacy influences the regional aviation market in Colombia. The gap left by ACES encouraged new carriers to expand regional services. Looking forward, the Colombian domestic aviation sector continues to evolve with increased emphasis on connectivity and modernization, areas where ACES set foundational standards.

Overview

SunExpress is a Turkish leisure airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in October 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, and began flying in 1990. The two parents each own 50%. The airline is headquartered in Antalya. It is not a member of an alliance.

Network and hubs

Operating bases are Antalya, İzmir and Ankara. The airline links Turkey with Europe and the wider Mediterranean region, with holiday destinations such as Antalya, İzmir and Dalaman prominent, as described by AviTrader. It also flies domestic routes within Turkey and began flights to Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus in October 2023. In its January 2026 release the airline reported 7% passenger growth in 2025, with almost 16 million passengers carried.

Fleet

The all-Boeing 737 fleet numbered 85 aircraft in November 2025. It consists of 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s. Four new 737-8s were delivered in January 2026, after five in 2025, as part of fleet modernisation (AviTrader, 29 January 2026). Fleet totals vary between sources, so check the airline's fleet page for the current figure.

On board

• Cabin: single-class economy. Third-party seat map data lists 189 seats on the 737-800 with about 29 in (74 cm) pitch (seatmaps.com).
• Seats: the airline says its cabins use leather-covered Safran seats with the seat pocket above the tray table.
• Food: the SunCafé menu is sold on board, and meals can be pre-ordered up to 36 hours before departure. Inclusion depends on the fare.
• Entertainment: content streams to personal devices through the Immfly-based SunExpress Entertainment system, announced in 2018.

Good to know

• Baggage: the SunLight fare includes only a 4 kg underseat bag (30 x 40 x 20 cm). An 8 kg cabin bag can be added from €19.99. SunEco and higher fares include an 8 kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm), according to the fares document, which also lists an excess hand baggage fee of €80 at the airport.
• Extras: seat reservation, lounge access, fare upgrades and the SunPriority package are sold as extras.
• Loyalty: the airline runs its own "your benefits" programme.