Turkish Airlines, founded in 1933, is Turkey's national flag carrier and one of the world's leading airlines. It operates flights to more countries than any other airline, connecting over 120 countries and 300 destinations. Headquartered in Istanbul, it uses Istanbul Airport as its main hub. The airline boasts a modern fleet of more than 370 aircraft and employs over 65,000 people, making it a significant player in the global aviation industry.
Services
- Business Class : Turkish Airlines offers a luxurious Business Class experience with fully lie-flat seats, private suites, and an array of amenities like power outlets, USB ports, and personal storage. On long-haul flights, a mattress pad is provided for extra comfort.
- In-Flight Dining : Renowned for its exceptional in-flight dining, the airline features on-board chefs who prepare gourmet meals. Passengers can enjoy a restaurant-like experience with multiple courses, including Turkish mezze, main courses, and desserts, served on designer tableware.
- Entertainment : The in-flight entertainment system includes the latest movies, music, games, and more. Passengers can stay connected with in-flight Wi-Fi.
- Lounge Services : Turkish Airlines' lounges, especially the flagship lounge at Istanbul Airport, offer a variety of services, including fine dining, entertainment zones, private relaxation areas, and shower facilities.
- Miles&Smiles : The loyalty program provides various benefits, including free upgrades, extra baggage allowance, and access to exclusive lounges.
Expriences
- Lionel Messi : The football superstar praised Turkish Airlines for its exceptional service and comfort during his travels, especially highlighting the Business Class experience.
- Morgan Freeman : The acclaimed actor appreciated the airline's hospitality and in-flight dining, mentioning it in several interviews.
- Kobe Bryant : The late basketball legend featured in Turkish Airlines' commercials and often spoke about his positive experiences flying with them.
Interesting Facts
- Most Countries Served : Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline.
- Fleet Size : It operates a fleet of over 370 aircraft, making it one of the largest in Europe.
- Historical Milestones : The airline's first international flight was from Istanbul to Athens in 1947.
- Innovation : Turkish Airlines was among the first to introduce on-board chefs in Business Class.
- Cargo Services : Turkish Cargo ranks among the top five air cargo carriers globally
Frequent Flyers
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan : The President of Turkey frequently uses Turkish Airlines for official travels, praising its reliability and service.
- Messi : As mentioned, the football star often flies with Turkish Airlines, appreciating its comfort and service.
- Freeman : Noted for his positive remarks on the airline's hospitality.
- Bryant : The late NBA star had a longstanding relationship with the airline through endorsements.
- Cate Blanchett : The actress has commended Turkish Airlines for its exceptional Business Class and service
Myths
- Government-Owned : While it was state-owned initially, Turkish Airlines is now partially privatized, with 50.88% of its shares publicly traded.
- Only Flies to Europe and Asia : The airline has a vast network that includes North and South America, Africa, and Australia.
Offbeat Destinations
- Lankaran, Azerbaijan : A coastal city known for its historical landmarks and natural beauty.
- Batna, Algeria : Famous for its ancient ruins and scenic landscapes.
- Malabo, Equatorial Guinea : Offers a blend of colonial architecture and tropical environment.
- Pointe-Noire, Congo : Known for its beaches and cultural heritage.
- Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso : A city rich in cultural festivals and history.
- Moroni, Comoros : Offers beautiful volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches.
- Asmara, Eritrea : Known for its Italian colonial buildings and art deco architecture.
- Antananarivo, Madagascar : Famous for its unique biodiversity and historical sites.
- Freetown, Sierra Leone : Offers vibrant culture and stunning coastal views.
- Bamako, Mali : Known for its lively markets and music scene.
Useful Resources
Awards
- Best Airline in Europe : Awarded by Skytrax multiple times.
- Best Business Class Catering : Recognized for its outstanding in-flight dining service.
- Best Airline in Southern Europe : Consistently ranked top in its region.