The family-owned company is led by Executive Chairman Tornike Kortoshidze, whose extensive experience as a pilot has played a significant role in shaping the company’s development. Today, Geosky Airlines operates across 64 countries and its fleet has expanded to include four Boeing 767-300 aircraft, complementing its Boeing 747 models and enabling the airline to offer customers greater flexibility and precision in global logistics operations. 

Committed to the highest standards of quality, safety and security, Geosky Airlines is a member of the International Air Transport Association and gained IOSA certification in 2024, marking a key step in its journey to shape the future of aviation in Georgia. In this interview, Kortoshidze discusses the company’s origins, how the COVID-19 pandemic led to a strategic shift and how Geosky is contributing to Georgian national development.  

Q: What is the history of Geosky Airlines, and how has the company grown over time?  

The history of the airline goes back to my father, who has over 40 years’ experience in aviation. In 1999, shortly after the Soviet Union collapsed, he founded Georgia’s first private helicopter company. He managed to acquire two helicopters, privatize them and use them as a foundation to enter the private aviation sector.  

I graduated from the Aviation University here in 2006 and started my career as a pilot, focusing on building flight experience. I remained actively flying until 2017, when I began taking a more managerial role. 

In 2012, together with my father and another partner, we founded a new airline specializing in cargo operations. Our first aircraft were two 747 freighters, based in Dubai. Our primary business was supporting NATO and coalition forces in Afghanistan, transporting supplies from Dubai into high-risk areas. This project was sensitive but offered us a chance to build a reputation and credibility in the aviation market. 

Q: How did your transition into management impact the business? 

While I was flying, I was partially involved in management, but my focus was always on gaining experience as a pilot. By 2017, we realized it was complex to manage helicopters, private jets and cargo aircraft under one airline. That’s when we split operations: TCA continued with helicopters and private jets, while Geosky Airlines became a dedicated cargo operation. 

At the same time, in Georgia, TCA provided services like search and rescue, firefighting and heli-skiing, especially in the western and northwest regions. 

I was still partially flying while gradually taking over office management. I was also a flight operations director and a simulator instructor. Eventually, I shifted focus to management to develop the company’s infrastructure and operational capabilities. 

Q: When did Geosky commence operations in Georgia? 

During COVID in 2020, I was in Azerbaijan seeing the chaos as passenger flights stopped. I decided to move one of our aircraft to Georgia for cargo operations, mainly for healthcare and essential supplies. This was the first and only cargo airline in Georgia at the time. 

Our goal has always been to provide competition and career opportunities locally. Many qualified Georgian aviation professionals were leaving the country due to limited options.  

We invested heavily in training—our instructors are certified through European training organizations. We train pilots, ground crew and maintenance teams in house to implement European safety, quality and operational standards. Safety and customer care are our priorities, and everything we do supports that. 

Q: How does Geosky’s success reinforce your commitment to developing Georgia’s aviation industry? 

It’s been a long journey, but step by step, we are achieving our goals. Aviation isn’t just a business; it’s about creating opportunities, developing talent and building a sustainable industry.