Europe's Best Airline Reaches 90 Countries, Adds 200th Aircraft
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) has secured the number one spot according to the Official Airline Guide in terms of the number of countries it services. The airline now flies to 90 countries around the globe, more than any other airline in the world. More than thirty new routes have been added this year alone and with 205 destinations to date, the airline continues its expansion plans into Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
In addition to this recent announcement, Turkish Airlines today reached another milestone after adding its 200th aircraft. The Boeing 737-900 - the airlines' ninth - is the newest addition to its continuously expanding fleet.
The new 737 - adorned with a special "200" sticker - recently debuted at Turkish Airlines' main hub at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish Airlines executives, employees, and members of the media celebrated the plane's unveiling at a ceremony which took place at the new Turkish Technic hangar before the aircraft took flight.
"As a company, we continue to achieve our goals one at a time," stated Hamdi Topcu, Turkish Airlines chairman, during the event. "We first celebrated the arrival of our 100th aircraft and now we have reached our next goal of 200 aircraft in our fleet. Our next goal, as we continue to expand, is 300."
In October, Turkish Airlines ordered 15 Airbus A330-300s. Those planes are scheduled to be delivered between 2014 and 2016.
"I am more than optimistic that we will reach our goal to become the world's largest airline network by 2023," furthered Temel Kotil, Ph.D., Turkish Airlines President and CEO. "We intend to become a five-star airline and the leading carrier in our region, home to 1.5 billion people."
Boasting a young, modern fleet, and numerous awards and accolades, Turkish Airlines continues to set a new standard in air travel.
About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of 5 airplanes, Turkish Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance is a 4-star airline today that flies to 205 destinations worldwide with 170 international and 35 domestic destinations with 200 airplanes (passenger and cargo). According to the results of a Skytrax evaluation, Turkish Airlines was chosen as the winner of the three categories, "Best Airline Europe," "Best Premium Economy Seats" for its Comfort Class seats and "Best Airline Southern Europe" in 2011 and 2012. Turkish Airlines was awarded with the 'Best Food, Economy-Class' title by Skytrax in 2010 and 'The Best On-board Food" by Skyscanner in 2011. Turkish Airlines is one of the first airlines offering 'Flying Chef' service on long distance flights to Business Class passengers.
Contacts
for Turkish Airlines
Michelle Mekky, 312-245-9805 ext. 112
michellemekky@alpaytac.com
or
Monique Dinor, 917-697-0016
monique@alpaytac.com
Turkish Airlines 200th Plane (Boeing 737-900) (Photo: Business Wire)