NEW YORK--()--To show the company’s appreciation for its staff, Turkish Airlines decorated the side of a new Boeing 737-800 airplane with the faces of 17,000 of its employees. The entire project, which took four months to complete, was made possible thanks to the work of twenty staff members who helped designers create the photo montage and apply the final design. The custom B-737 will join the airline’s fleet, flying to destinations across the global network for one year.
Surprised employees gathered at the Turkish Technic Hangar in Istanbul in March to witness the ceremonial unveiling of the aircraft. The award-winning global carrier chose this unconventional gift to acknowledge the vital role its staff has played in its ongoing success. The project gives true meaning to the motto “Globally Yours,” demonstrating that the Turkish Airlines family spans over 190 destinations across the globe. Turkish Airlines’ long range Boeing 737-800 aircraft make up the majority of the airline’s fleet and fly to 168 destinations globally.
“We are eternally grateful to our hard-working team members who go above and beyond to bring quality service to our customers everyday,” said Turkish Airlines General Manager, Dr. Temel Kotil. “It is only fitting that we acknowledge their accomplishments and treat them like the stars that they are.”
For over 78 years, Turkish Airlines has prided itself on providing superior in-flight service, quality, safety and reliability. In addition to being named “Europe’s Best Airline,” Skytrax honored the airline with several prestigious awards including “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe.” Turkish Airlines also beat out 18 other airlines around the world and was chosen by passengers as the best provider of in-flight food in a poll done by flight comparison site, Skyscanner. These accolades are proof that the contributions of each and every employee have been instrumental in helping to make Turkish Airlines the company it is today.
About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 179 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 191 cities around the world, comprised of 40 domestic and 151 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several "Passengers Choice Awards" from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner in 3 categories, "Best Airline Europe," "Best Premium Economy Seats" for its Comfort Class seats and "Best Airline Southern Europe." It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of "World's Best Economy Class On-board Catering" in 2010, and Skyscanner's "Best On-board Food 2011." Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.
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 New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, British Midland International, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Avianca-TACA, Copa Airlines, EVA Air and Shenzhen Airlines have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 20,800 daily flights to 1,300 airports in 189 countries.
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