Turkish Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in the industry. They pride in their vast network strengths which are: Europe, Central Asia, Russia,Far East Asia, Africa, Middle East, North and South America. Undoubtedly, they are a pioneer within its region. Turkish Airlines has gone from strength to strength in the last decade, and despite facing obstacles it is still soaring high. It is one of the traveller’s favourite airlines when it comes to global travel, because of its excellent service and countless promotions that are always in rotation.
20 Interesting Facts: Turkish Airlines
- Officially launched on 20th May 1933 as State Airlines Administration, the first fleet comprised of five small propeller airplanes that had room for only seven passengers. Since then Turkish Airlines has rapidly expanded and has become one of the leading airlines in the world.
- McDonnell Douglas DC-9 was the first jet of Turkish Airlines. It was twin engine with single aisle.
- Turkish Airlines is based in Istanbul and it serves more destinations from its hub than any other European Airline. It serves 304 destinations in 119 countries, more than any airline worldwide.
- It is the fourth-largest carrier in the world based on the number of destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and USA.
- Turkish Airlines was voted as the best airline of Europe by Skytrax for consecutive five years. It was also awarded “Best Airline in Southern Europe”, “World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge”, and “World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining” in Skytrax World Airline Awards
- It is the fastest expanding airline in the world. It offers more flights to Africa. Since 2014, Turkish Airlines has pursued quick expansion in Latin America, offering services to Bogota, Havana and Caracus.
- The geographic location of Istanbul plays a key role in expansion of Turkish Airlines. Istanbul is one of world’s most popular cities set at a beneficiary juncture connecting East and West.
- With massive expansion of Turkish Airlines, the number of passengers has been increasing by nearly 10% every year. The current airport is reaching its capacity and there is little room to expand due to the location of the airport. A new mega airport with 6 runways with a capacity to handle 150,000,000 passengers a year, is currently under construction.
- The Turkish Airline lounge for business and comfort class passengers includes a children’s playground, billiards area, library, prayer room and teleconference section, the expansion has added more relaxation and shower space as well as additional massage beds.
- On-board, Turkish Airlines offer travelers the opportunity to experience the Business Class, and in Intercontinental flights, travelers experience the real restaurant service with the rich content and high quality in Business Class with A rich selection from hors d’oeuvres and soup service.
- Turkish Airlines continues to utilize its “Flying Chefs” and the new catering concept which has just been introduced to enhance the dining experience with “samovar” and “candle light” features on its long flights.
- It offers a cabin entertainment system which includes nearly 400 films and one thousand CD albums, as well as radio and news channels
- Turkish Airlines is a full-service carrier, but only offers Business and Economy class cabins. They don’t offer a First Class cabin
- Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, making them a great choice to earn or redeem miles in United’s MileagePlus program or other StarAlliance carriers.
- It has its own rewards program called Miles & Smiles, a frequent flyer program where members can upgrade to Business Class, get free baggage allowance and have access to Turkish Alliance and Star Alliance lounges.
- In 2016 Turkish Airlines operated world’s longest flight from the Istanbul to Sydney. Boeing 777-300ER covered a distance of 14,868 kilometres.
- Turkish Airlines offers Touristanbul service. It is free Istanbul tour for those having a connecting international flight with a layover between 6-24 hours
- Its new mobile app offers a much better user experience when planning trips and purchasing tickets.
- Pets like cats, dogs and singing birds are permitted to be carried within the flight cabin in cages upon one condition that there are no passengers stating they are allergic to animals with a medical report.
- Business class travellers can avail the Exclusive Drive Service. Turkish Airlines offers free chauffeur service to pick up travellers to bring to the airport as well as to take them wherever they need to go after their flight arrives.
