Turkish Airlines, one of the world's most prominent airline companies, is concluding another quarter of significant achievements across its fleet and network. This includes Q1 year-on-year passenger growth in the Middle East, the recent inauguration of two new routes, and the announcement of 10 other international destinations to be launched in 2019, reaffirming its position as a market leader.
At the 2019 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Turkey’s national carrier announced that it carried more than 1.58 million passengers from the Middle East in the first quarter of this year – a 2.5 per cent rise over the same period in 2018. Globally, Turkish Airlines welcomed almost 16.8 million passengers in the first quarter of 2019. The airline is on an upward trajectory to continue to set new standards, recording an average load factor of 80.1 per cent globally in Q1.
Since January 2019, Turkish Airlines has also recorded a 2.6 per cent rise in seat capacity – the number of seats available across the fleet –among its Middle Eastern flights, as demand for the carrier continues to rise in the region.
Turkish Airlines announced how it plans to meet demand across its global footprint – with a host of new international routes joining its network. Already operating flights to 49 domestic and 259 international destinations across 124 countries, 2019 will see the airline fly into, Bali/Denpasar, Mexico City, Cancun, Rovaniemi, Port Harcourt, Luksor, Pointe-Noire, and Strazburg. Domestically, the airline will also add Uşak, Siirt and Çanakkale. These new routes follow the launch of Sharjah and Marrakesh flights, which started in Q1.
“In the first quarter of 2019, we have flown more passengers in this region than during the same period in 2018 – but that’s just the start of our success this year,” commented Ahmet Olmustur, chief marketing officer of Turkish Airlines. “With a new hub joining the wide-ranging new destinations, we are set to add to our network, along with new additions to our fleet in 2019, we’re well on our way towards our vision of being the world’s leading airline. Our positive Q1 2019 figures maintain the momentum we built in 2018 where we welcomed a total of 75.2 million passengers on board globally – approximately 6.7 million of which were passengers in the Middle East.”
Operating a total of 335 aircrafts, comprising of 215 narrow body, 92 wide body and 18 cargo aircraft, Turkish Airlines boasts one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. During ATM, the global carrier put an emphasise that these numbers are set to grow steadily over the next four years, with the addition of 25 firm and five optional A350-900, and 25 firm and five optional orders for the 787-9 Dreamliner that will be gradually added to its ever-expanding fleet by 2023.
FIVE LOUNGES OPEN AT ISTANBUL AIRPORT
WITH the completion of the great move to its brand-new home base, Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines will have five passenger lounges available this summer.
Three lounges are already open – the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Miles & Smiles Lounge and Domestic Lounge. An Exclusive Lounge and Arrival Lounge are to open this summer.
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge has an approximate area of over 60,000 square feet, seats 765 guests and features 13 private suites with showers. Turkish Airlines also designed a 130 square foot museum in here collaborating with the arts and cultural institution Istanbul Modern.
The Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge is also over 60,000 square feet seating 765 guests, and offers 11 private suites with showers and space where guests can rest on comfortable couches, savour delicious and exclusive treats from Turkey along with international cuisine, or enjoy mobile masseur services. A console gaming experience, golf simulators and large children’s play area provide entertainment, while a technology centre with 3D glasses and virtual reality is planned. The two lounges also provide meeting rooms, a library and prayer room.