Turkish Airlines: Soaring higher
Serving over 290 destinations around the world, the airline plans further expansion for its commercial flights and cargo services
SHANGHAI, CHINA: Saddled between Europe and Asia, crossing paths with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, home to a fusion of different cultures in the region and a history that dates back to the Paleolithic age, Turkey has become a magnet for curious tourists over the past decade or so.
Turkey’s national flag-carrier, Turkish Airlines, which has presence in more than 290 key cities and 115 countries around the world, is flying to more countries than any airlines.
Turkish Airlines, which hauls in tourists to the country in tens of thousands on a daily basis, remains optimistic of the days ahead.
EXPANDING ROUTES& SERVICES
Halit Anlatan, vice president for sales and marketing of Turkish Cargo, the airline’s freight subsidiary which serves 293 destinations in 116 countries, disclosed to AIR CARGO UPDATE, Turkish Airlines has added two more routes to serve the United States—Atlanta and Miami.
The country is eyeing to open up its third new airport, the Istanbul International Airport, which upon completion will become the world’s largest with the capacity to host up to 200million passengers.
“When the new airport is opened, we will have a better chance for more growth,” Anlatan optimistically said.
Turkish Airlines is, after all, at the helm of Turkey’s tourism growth, including the cargo industry.
The carrier serves over 293 destinations in 116 countries and is considered as the world’s largest airline by the number of nations served.
It was voted as Europe’s Best Airline for the 6th consecutive year at the 2016 Skytrax Passengers Choice Awards.
“In the first nine months of 2015 Turkish Airlines realized a capacity increase of 12.6 percent (available seat km) and carried 46.5 million passengers on its 341 thousand flights with a load factor of 79 percent,” the airline said in its disclosure.
“Despite strong competitive environment among the world’s leading players, the political and economical instabilities over its operating environment and significant currency fluctuations, Turkish Airlines continues to print successful and sustainable results,” it added.
Anlatan said there are still more rooms for growth.
By winter, Turkish Cargo will also start having freighter flights to New York as the demand for more Turkish products in America rises.
In terms of commercial flights, there are expansion plans in South America, started with a direct flight service between Istanbul and Bogota, Colombia.
In China, the airline already flies daily from Istanbul to Beijing; four times a week in Shanghai, and; thrice a week in Guangzhou.
Apart from regular commercial flights, loads of cargos are hauled in between the destinations through Turkish Cargo, which is known for its technological logistic solutions for both individuals and corporate customers using its new generation freighters.
Turkish Cargo transport goods to 290 cities, with 51 domestic lines.
Additionally, it has Road Feeder Service (RFS) together with Special Prorate and Interline Agreements with other carriers to over 1,000 locations where it does not have flights yet.
There is no denying the airline is soaring higher despite the odds.
BOX OUT1/HIGHLIGHT
Turkish Cargo shipped The Batmobile
You may not be aware of it but Turkish Cargo was entrusted with the special role of transporting The Batmobile for the launch of Batman vs Superman early this year.
The Batmobile weighs more than 30 tons and nearly twice as wide as a normal car. It was shipped in a container for the film’s shooting and promotions from New York to London, via Istanbul, and elsewhere.
BOX OUT 2/HIGHLIGHT
Turkish Airlines
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines is a 4-star airline today with a fleet of 330 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 290 destinations worldwide with 241 international and 49 domestic.
According to the 2016 Skytrax survey, Turkish Airlines was chosen as “Europe’s Best Airline” for the sixth and “Best Airline in Southern Europe” for the eighth consecutive time. Having won in 2010 the world’s “Best Economy Catering Service”, in 2013 and also in 2014 the world’s “Best Business Catering Service”, and “Best Business Class Lounge Dining”, “Best Business Airline Lounge” awards in last year’s survey, Turkish Airlines was awarded again the world’s “Best Business Class Dining Lounge” and “Best Business Class On-Board Catering” prizes in this year’s survey.
More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Linkedin, and Instagram.
