With the addition of its 300th aircraft, Europe’s Leading Airline continues to strengthen its position in global Aviation.
Taking its place as one of the world’s major airlines, Turkish Airlines continues to grow its fleet in order to meet the needs of its ever-growing network and expanding customer base. Turkish Airlines also wishes to serve its customers with Europe’s youngest and most modern fleet. That process continues as the airline adds its 300th aircraft.
The addition of the 300th plane was celebrated with a ceremony that was held today at Atatürk International Airport in the new hangar of Turkish Technic Inc.. The ceremony included the participation of Turkish Airlines’ Board Chairman, M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines’ CEO, Dr. Temel Kotil, Airbus’ Regional Sales Director/Middle East and Europe, Douglas Anderson, and Airbus’ Contracts Director, David Bonnel as well as a large number of business partners and media representatives.
In his address, Turkish Airlines Board Chairman M. İlker Aycı noted that Turkish Airlines has set great targets to take measured steps towards becoming the world’s leading airline. Indicating that Turkish Airlines has also acted as a “diplomatic” pioneer due to the far-reaching flight network, Aycı said, “As Turkish Airlines, we are at the top among the fastest growing airlines worldwide. Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines today is a 4-star airline with a fleet of 300 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 284 destinations worldwide -235 international and 49 domestic-. Turkish Airlines received its 100th aircraft in August 2006, 73 years after its establishment. Nearly seven years later, in March 2013, its fleet reached 200 aircraft. With 300 aircraft in our fleet today, we are the world’s 13th largest airline in terms of fleet size*, and with 39 new aircraft to be added by the end of this year, Turkish Airlines will be even more prominent at the international level with its young fleet.”
He also added that, “We are determined that Turkish Airlines will have the strongest base in international aviation with its highly-qualified workforce and its young, modern fleet. We have made huge efforts to reach that objective as a big family working together. The 300th airplane is one symbol of our determination to reach the vision and objectives that we’ve set.”
Douglas Anderson, Senior Sales Director of Airbus commented: “We would like to congratulate Turkish Airlines on the milestone of increasing its fleet to 300 aircraft and we would like to express our gratitude for their confidence in Airbus aircraft. Ten years ago Turkish Airlines was operating with only 7 wide-body aircraft and today they have more than 70. We are honored to be a partner in their growth and look forward to be a part of their growing fleet in the coming years.”
The aircraft was then handed over to Turkish Airlines. Powered by CF6-80E1 engines, the A330-300 is the first aircraft to be equipped with galleys from TCI –Turkish Cabin Interiors- and economy class seats from TSI –Turkish Seat Industries- all manufactured in Turkey. The new aircraft will be deployed on existing medium and long-haul routes from the Turkish Airlines Istanbul hub, adding more capacity to enhance the airline’s growth strategy.
Airbus has a long-standing relationship with Turkish Airlines dating back to 1984 when it added the first A310. Today the carrier operates 159 Airbus aircraft including 53 A330 variants.
Airbus is well positioned to meet the demand for Turkish Airlines’ ambitious growth strategy with its eco-efficient, modern family of aircraft. Turkish aerospace companies benefit from this growth through long-term industrial partnerships with Airbus.
The A330 family includes freighters, VIP, and military transport/tanker variants, and has now attracted more than 1,600 orders. Over 1,200 A330 aircraft are flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. Having an operational reliability of 99,4 percent, the A330 is one of the world’s most efficient aircraft with best-in-class operating economics. The A330 belongs to the successful group of Airbus Widebody aircraft, which consists of the A330, A350 XWB and A380, uniquely spanning the 250 to over 500 seat market segment.
*IATA ranking.
Turkish Airlines, Inc.
Media Relations
About 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 300 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to more than 284 destinations worldwide with 235 international and 49 domestic. According to a 2015 Skytrax survey, Turkish Airlines was chosen as “Europe’s Best Airline” for the fifth and “Best Airline in Southern Europe” for the seventh consecutive time. Having won in 2010 the world’s “Best Economy Catering Service”, in 2013 the world’s “Best Business Catering Service”, and in 2014 “Best Business Catering Service” awards, Turkish Airlines was this year awarded the world’s “Best Business Class Lounge Dining” and “Best Business Airline Lounge” prizes in the Skytrax survey. Currently with 7 US gateways, Turkish Airlines offers 63 flights per week, serving some 5,000 customers. In October 2015, Turkish Airlines added daily flights from Miami, and in May 2016, daily flights from Atlanta will begin. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on www.turkishairlines.com.
About Airbus:
Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus champions innovative technologies and offers some of the world’s most fuel efficient and quiet aircraft. Airbus has sold over 16.200 aircraft to more than 360 customers worldwide. Airbus has achieved more than 9,400 deliveries since the first Airbus aircraft entered into service. Headquartered in Toulouse, France.
About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. The integration of Avianca Brasil is currently in progress. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,500 daily flights to 1,321 airports in 193 countries For additional information visit www.staralliance.com and/or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube or LinkedIn.