The Times highlights Turkish Airlines’ global growth

The Times, one of the United Kingdom’s leading newspapers, has highlighted Turkish Airlines’ (THY) growth in global aviation and its future ambitions in an interview with Prof. Dr. Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines.

The interview with Şeker was conducted during the Farnborough International Airshow and focused on the company’s growth journey, its position in global aviation and its future goals, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

The interview was published on the newspaper’s digital platform last Saturday and appeared in print in the Sunday edition, The Sunday Times, the following day.

Under the headline “How Turkish Airlines carried twice as many passengers as British Airways,” the article noted that THY has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing airlines, while Istanbul Airport has strengthened its position in European aviation.

The article highlighted that THY carried more than 92 million passengers last year, compared with approximately 46 million passengers served by British Airways during the same period.

The Times also noted that THY’s fleet of 559 aircraft is nearly twice the size of British Airways’ fleet.

Discussing THY’s future ambitions, Şeker pointed to the company’s investments in its fleet, flight network and passenger experience.

THY targets fleet of 850 aircraft

The article reported that THY plans to invest approximately $50 billion in new aircraft over the next 10 years at list prices. The airline aims to expand its fleet to around 850 aircraft, increase annual revenue to more than $50 billion and reach 350 international destinations.

The report emphasized Türkiye’s geographical location as one of THY’s biggest advantages, noting that Istanbul’s strategic position between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East provides the airline with access to a broad transfer market.

Türkiye’s annual arrival of around 60 million visitors was also cited as a major source of strong and direct passenger demand.

The Times noted that THY can offer passengers traveling east from Europe around 18,000 different flight options from an average European city, highlighting the airline’s extensive network as a competitive advantage.

THY plans new route in the UK

The article also covered THY’s expansion plans in the UK market.

Şeker said the UK is an important market for THY and explained that the airline aims to launch flights to London City Airport, in addition to its existing operations at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

The Times also highlighted THY’s plans for Australia.

With the addition of new-generation Airbus A350 long-haul aircraft to its fleet, the airline aims to launch nonstop flights from Istanbul to major Australian cities, particularly Sydney and Melbourne.

Istanbul’s role in global aviation continues to rise

The article also highlighted THY’s investments in passenger experience, noting that new “Crystal Business Class” suites will offer passengers greater privacy. The premium economy cabin, positioned between economy and business class, is planned to enter service in 2028 with new A350 aircraft.

The Times also covered THY’s accommodation services for transit passengers visiting Istanbul, as well as its investments in inflight entertainment and catering and its global sponsorship strategy.

The report assessed THY’s growing global scale alongside Istanbul’s rising position in international aviation, noting that the airline aims to continue expanding through investments in its fleet, flight network and passenger experience.

Photo: Wikipedia