Turkish Airlines close a deal for 15 additional aircrafts

American aircraft company, Boeing, announced on Monday that the price of the 15 additional airplanes ordered by the Turkish Airlines (THY) cost $1,6 billion.

The airlines, which had also ordered 50 737 MAXs, 25 Next-Generation 737s and 20 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes last year, announced last week that the delivery of the airplanes will be in 2020.

"Today's deal represents another sign of our continuous growth strategy, with the 737 MAX providing Turkish Airlines with increased flexibility across our ever expanding network," said Dr. Ahmet Bolat, chief investment and technology officer of the THY.

"Our strong partnership with Boeing has been a significant factor in Turkish Airlines' success and we look forward to taking delivery of these highly efficient airplanes," he added.

Turkish Airlines currently serves 254 cities in 106 countries around the world from its base at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.

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Turkish Airlines adds Catania to growing network in Southern Europe

With existing services to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Genova and Turin, Turkish Airlines adds flights to Catania as its 8th destination in Italy.

Catania flights will be operated 4 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions.

Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Catania starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees). 

Additionally, for the first 6 months of operations to new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades. 

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Turkish Airlines cancels Libya flights for security

Turkey's national flag-carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) cancelled its flights to Libya's Benghazi city until June 15, an online statement from THY website said.

Clashes between Libyan armed militia and groups linked to retired general Khalifa Haftar flared up last month in Benghazi - Libya's second biggest city. The Turkish Foreign Ministry voiced its concerns over the situation in the country on May 20, calling on all parties to act with common sense and restraint to protect the "hard-fought revolution" in Libya.

In late May, militants loyal to Haftar attacked the parliament headquarters in capital Tripoli and kidnapped several lawmakers. Haftar says the campaign, dubbed "Operation Dignity," is aimed at "purging Libya of extremists." Dozens have been killed since Haftar's offensive in the country.

The Libyan government, for its part, has described Haftar's operation as a "coup against legitimacy.

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Turkish Airlines eyes daily flight to Malta

Turkish Airlines, the world's fastest growing carrier, is planning to operate daily flights to Malta - just a year after it launched its service to Malta from Istanbul's main airport. The airline currently operates five flights a week between Malta and Istanbul but CEO Temel Kotil told Maltese journalists last week he wants that extended to a daily flight. His comment drew a quick 'no problem' from the Turkish Airlines representative in Malta, Soner Aydin, who explained that the airline has been seeing a passenger load factor in excess of 75% in winter.

Turkish prides itself with the hub service is provides from Istanbul, strategically located between Europe and Asia. It currently operates to 250 international destinations - from Los Angeles to Tokyo and from Cape Town to Oslo. It has a fast-growing fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft including the Boeing 777 but does not plan on getting the Airbus A380 superjumbo because, Dr Kotil said, the airline prefers flight frequency. For example, it currently operates three flights daily to New York's JFK. Turkish has been growing by 17% per year and currently operates 1,500 flights per day, a number it aims to raise to 2,000 within months. Its biggest growth has been to Asia/Southwest Pacific and Europe, underlining its hub attraction.

Growth in the future will be accompanied by the building of a new airport in Istanbul (the city's third). The airline also prides itself with competitive fares, a superior in-flight catering service - even in economy class - and comfortable facilities for transit passengers at Istanbul Ataturk airport. Malta was the 100th destination operated by Turkish. About half of passengers from Malta go to Istanbul on transit - mostly to the Far East, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. But many are among the 11million tourists who visit the ancient city of Istanbul annually.

The Maltese can get a Turkish visa electronically without charge - in contrast to visitors from Turkey who need to pay for their Malta/Schengen visa. The airline has also been drawing traffic to Malta. Dr Kotil was quick to point out that he had been told that Malta was 'the best' for the teaching of English to foreigners, something the airline intends to build on.

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Is Star Alliance Member Turkish Airlines trying to compete with Etihad?

Turkish Airlines is running additional flights on its Abu Dhabi-Istanbul route until July 19, the airline announced.

Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airlines is rapidly expanding to many international markets, and has a very prominent position in the United Arab Emirates.

With Turkish Airlines increasing flights, this will open up new interconnection into the rest of the Star Alliance network.

Turkish Airlines had been voted as one of the best airlines in service within the alliance, so this development is interesting.

There will be three extra flights each week operating with a 151 passenger capacity on board a Boeing 737-800. The additional services are running on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The increase in frequency out of Abu Dhabi comes at the beginning of the traditionally busy summer northern hemisphere travel period.

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Turkish Airlines adds three additional flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Turkish Airlines, Europe's best airline*, has announced the addition of three new flights to its regular weekly schedule, to and from Abu Dhabi, starting from May 3 until July 19, 2014.

By increasing the frequency of flights, the premier airline endeavours to enhance its services, as well as cater to a larger framework of travellers from Abu Dhabi. One of the fastest growing airlines, Turkish Airlines' new flights underlines the carrier's position in meeting the increasing demand of customer needs.

The new flights are all Boeing 737-800, which are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and economic performance, and have a capacity of 151 passengers.

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JetBlue and Turkish Airlines Launch Codeshare Operations

JetBlue Airways, New York'sHometown AirlineTM, and Turkish Airlines, the rapidly growing global carrier, today announce the launch of a unilateral codeshare to provide expanded travel options for customers worldwide. Turkish Airlines is now placing its "TK" code unilaterally on select JetBlue-operated flights to/from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. Flights are available for sale through travel agencies and Turkish Airlines reservations for travel beginning today.

The JetBlue-Turkish Airlines codeshare allows customers to purchase tickets combining flights on both carriers and enjoy one-stop ticketing and baggage check-in on their day of departure. Turkish Airlines offers up to three daily flights between New York and its hub at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, and today inaugurates the first-ever nonstop service between Istanbul and Boston. At Boston Logan International Airport, JetBlue offers more flights to more destinations than any other airline. Via Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers onward connections to destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Far East. Turkish Airlines offers one of the most expansive route networks in the world, currently spanning 247 destinations in 106 countries.

Through JetBlue, international travelers will have access to 24 key U.S. destinations includingBaltimore, Maryland; Buffalo, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; Rochester, New York; and Tampa, Florida. "We are delighted to begin codeshare operations with Turkish Airlines just as the carrier is expanding its U.S.A. network to include our growing Boston focus city," said Scott Laurence, JetBlue's vice president of network planning. "More and more international carriers are being attracted to Boston Logan in part because of JetBlue's expanding route network, and that's great news for travelers as well as the local economy."

"We are glad to sign the codeshare agreement with our partner JetBlue in the U.S. We are sure that the cooperation of our airlines will be fruitful, enabling our passengers to access a global network via our JFK and BOS gateways with the inaugural of our Boston flights," said Ahmet Bolat, Ph.D., Turkish Airlines Chief Investment and Technology Officer.

Customers connecting to JetBlue-operated flights will enjoy the airline's award-winning in-flight experience, which includes unlimited free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, free seatback entertainment*, and the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines). In addition, JetBlue currently offers customers complimentary satellite broadband internet service on select departures.

Initial codeshare destinations via Boston and/or New York:

• Burlington, Vermont

• Buffalo, New York

• Baltimore, Maryland

• Charleston, South Carolina

• Charlotte, North Carolina

• Detroit, Michigan

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Florida

• Fort Myers, Florida

• Jacksonville, Florida

• Long Beach/Los Angeles, California

• Phoenix, Arizona

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Portland, Maine

• Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

• Richmond, Virginia

• Rochester, New York

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida

• Syracuse, New York

• Tampa, Florida

• West Palm Beach, Florida

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Turkish Airlines highlights free tour of Istanbul

Turkish Airlines highlighted the “TourIstanbul” service for international passengers at this week’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2014 in Dubai, described as the region’s foremost industry event.

“An unmatched service that enables visitors to see all that Turkey has to offer, TourIstanbul complements Istanbul’s title as the most recommended destination of 2014 by global-scale travellers,” said a Turkish Airlines official.

A complimentary service for passengers with stopovers of over six hours in Istanbul, “TourIstanbul enables visitors to gain vivid insights into ‘the city that sits on two continents,’ all-inclusive of transportation, food and beverage, and city-wide tours, with no bookings required,” the official said.

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the city’s renowned historic and cultural sites.

“Instead of waiting at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, passengers with six to 24 hours before their next connecting flight can stop by the hotel desk, drop off their luggage, and hop on to a shuttle bus for the excursion with a professional tour guide,” the airline official said.

Dr Ali Genc, senior vice president of media relations, Turkish Airlines, said that passengers were offered a “unique” opportunity to discover the history, culture, and cuisine of one of the world’s most interesting cities, free of charge, in between two flights.

“We are delighted that this initiative offers our world-class services not only up in the skies but in the streets of Istanbul, allowing passengers to create lasting memories. TourIstanbul underlines our commitment to ‘Widen Your World’,” Genc said.

“‘TourIstanbul’ enables passengers to make the most of their journey by offering them a complimentary adventure within their trip.”

All passengers with an international transit flight through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and a layover of six to 24 hours, between 9am and 6pm, can take part in the tour held daily from 9am to 6pm; 9am to 3pm; and 12pm to 6pm. Passengers must arrive 30 minutes before the start of the tour.

On its 80th anniversary, Turkish Airlines was voted “Europe’s Best Airline” for the third consecutive year, at the 2013 Skytrax awards. A Star Alliance member, it operates the fourth largest flight network in the world with a fleet of 233 aircraft.  

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Turkish Airlines makes first flight to Sarajevo

Turkish Airlines, Turkey's flag carrier, has made its first commercial flight to Sarajevo from Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.

"With the addition of Sarajevo, the total number of THY [Turkish Airlines] international destinations out of SAW [Sabiha Gokcen airport] has reached 17," Mehmet Baspinar, VP of Sales and Marketing for Eastern Europe and the Balkans said on Friday.

Ahmet Salih Kansu, Turkish Airlines' Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina, told Anadolu Agency that there will be three flights a week between Sarajevo and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, increasing the total number of direct flights from Istanbul to Sarajevo to 21 per week.

Kansu said: "THY has already been operating 18 weekly flights between Sarajevo and Istanbul Ataturk Airport for 19 years. Now, Bosnians will have the opportunity to fly directly to Istanbul's Asian side where 45 percent of Istanbul's population lives."

"The Bosnians will be able to easily travel to neighboring Anatolian destinations like Izmit, Yalova, Bursa, Adapazari and northern and eastern Marmara regions."

Passengers will be able to fly from Sarajevo to Asian side of Istanbul on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for €99 (US$137) including taxes.

The price is valid for online bookings only, and for tickets purchased up until July 24.

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Stavropol, Russia becomes Turkish Airlines 247th destination

Turkish Airlines is expanding its “already extensive network” with a tenth Russian destination.

The national carrier has added a thrice-weekly service (Tues, Fri & Sun) to Stavropol, the administrative centre of Stavropol Krai.

   

Its tenth destination in Russia, Stavropol joins Moscow, St Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Ufa, Sochi and Astrakhan.  

Speaking exclusively to Routes News, Turkish Airlines’ Senior VP of Media Relations, Ali Genc, said: “We’re very pleased to announce the launch of another new route for Turkish Airlines, now flying to Stavropol in Russia.

“This news further demonstrates our commitment to growing the airline’s global network for our passengers.”

“Russia is increasingly important for travellers and Istanbul represents a convenient stop-over hub for those travelling there from Western Europe. The route supplements nine other Russian destinations which Turkish Airlines serves and we expect it to be a successful destination for company.”

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Turkish Airlines has ambitious expansion plans

Turkish Airlines aims to almost double its aircraft fleet and hit US$24 billion in revenues by 2023, the company’s chief executive said. It plans to increase the number of aircraft to 450 by 2023 from its current fleet of 267 aircraft. Speaking during a presentation at Turkish Airlines head quarters in Istanbul, Temel Kotil said the company’s operating revenue was expected to grow 17 per cent this year to $11.4bn.

The Turkish carrier’s revenue last year was up 19 per cent year-on-year to $9.8bn. However, its net profit was down 46 per cent to $357 million. Passenger numbers are also expected to reach 60 million this year, and the airline plans to add 16 destinations.

“There are no other countries growing that much,” said Mr Kotil. “You know why we are growing? Because we are between Europe and the Middle East, between Europe and Africa and Europe and Asia.”

The airline plans to capitalise on its strategic location, especially with the opening of Istanbul’s new airport by the beginning of 2019. With $35bn of investments, the new airport will have six runways, 500 aircraft parking spots and the capacity to accommodate 150 million passengers.

“The new airport is coming. It will be the largest on earth, with 150 million passenger capacity. It’s about 8,000 hectares. It’s seven times bigger than [the current] airport,” said Mr Kotil. “Infrastructure is under control and there’s no problem there.”

The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus expects the aviation industry to shift its hubs for connecting passengers to the east, especially for cities such as Istanbul, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Like Istanbul, those cities are also upping their game by building new airports to accommodate an expected influx of passengers. Dubai has built its second Airport, Al Maktoum at Dubai World Central, which is expected to take millions of passengers as Expo 2020 approaches. Abu Dhabi too is building its Midfield Terminal, which will be operational in 2017.

And Qatar will open the new Hamad International Airport this year, after a series of delays. Mr Kotil said he predicts revenue growth from the Middle East of between 15 to 20 per cent for the Turkish carrier. Turkish Airlines flies to 23 destination in the Middle East and plans to add two new destinations this year. Asked about competition from Arabian Gulf carriers – namely Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad – Mr Kotil said that Turkish Airlines mainly focuses on its own progress.

“We are now 2 per cent in [terms of] worldwide market share and we will become 4 per cent by all means. We compete against ourselves. The competition is internally. We fly everywhere and wait for the results.”

Turkish Airlines, part of the Star Alliance, has signed a code-share agreement with Singapore Airlines effective from May 1. The deal will connect Singapore Airlines to destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. It will also connect Turkish Airlines to South-east Asia and the South-west Pacific.

The National

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Turkish Airlines features Boeing TCI

Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines Technic Inc, TAI, Boeing and Turkish Cabin Interiors (TCI) welcomed the delivery of the first commercial airplane outfitted with galleys from TCI. The airline will receive this year nine more airplanes equipped with TCI galleys.

“This is a year in which we will put special emphasis on further building our infrastructure. By establishing Turkish Cabin Interiors (TCI), we have taken a more active role in the Turkish industry through logistical support. We look forward to the TCI brand soon becoming popular across the industry,” said Hamdi Topçu, board chairman of Turkish Airlines.

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Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines sign codeshare deal

Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines have agreed a major expansion of codeshare ties, covering destinations beyond both Istanbul and Singapore.

The Star Alliance partners have been codesharing on each other’s flights on the route from Istanbul to Singapore and vice versa since February 2009.

Singapore Airlines currently operates four weekly flights on the mentioned route, increasing frequency on a seasonal basis to six times per week to meet growth in demand, effective from May 30th 2014.

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Turkish Airlines flies into Rotterdam

Turkish Airlines has extended its presence in the Netherlands by announcing the launch of a service from Istanbul to Rotterdam, its 244th international destination.

In addition to the existing flights to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, Turkish Airlines now flies to Rotterdam from Istanbul, its second destination in the Netherlands.

Continuing to grow the network and extend the airline’s reach, flights between Istanbul and Rotterdam will be operated four times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

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