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Turkish Airlines

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Turkish Airlines
AirlineTurkish Airlines
Fleet size435
Destinations346
Founded20 May 1933
Key peopleAhmet Bolat (Chairman)
HeadquartersAtatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
HubsIstanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Turkish Airlines. It is the national flag carrier of the Republic of Turkey, founded in 1933. Headquartered at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, it operates from its primary hub at the new Istanbul Airport, with a secondary hub at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The airline has grown into one of the world's largest carriers by number of passenger destinations, serving a vast global network.

History

The airline was established by the Ministry of National Defence (Turkey) on May 20, 1933, as part of a modernization drive under the republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Initial operations began with a fleet of five aircraft, including Curtiss Kingbird and Tupolev ANT-9 models, flying domestic routes such as Ankara to Istanbul. A significant early milestone was the launch of its first international service in 1947, connecting Istanbul to Athens. The carrier was reorganized as a joint-stock company in 1956, and its expansion accelerated with the introduction of jet aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 in the late 1960s. The airline joined the Star Alliance in 2008, cementing its global stature. Its operations were consolidated at the new Istanbul Airport in 2019, following a monumental transfer from the former Atatürk Airport.

Destinations and fleet

The airline's network is among the most extensive globally, serving 346 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Key intercontinental routes include services to Los Angeles International Airport, São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport, and Sydney Airport. Its fleet, one of the youngest among major carriers, consists of approximately 435 aircraft. This modern inventory is dominated by models from Airbus and Boeing, including the Airbus A320neo family, Airbus A350, Boeing 737 MAX, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline also operates a large cargo division with dedicated freighters like the Airbus A330-200F.

Corporate affairs

The airline is a publicly traded company, with a majority of its shares owned by the Turkish Wealth Fund. Its chairman is Ahmet Bolat, and its corporate headquarters are located at Istanbul Airport. The carrier maintains major maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities at Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport. It has several subsidiaries, including the low-cost carrier AnadoluJet, the cargo operator Turkish Cargo, and the catering service Turkish DO&CO. The airline's brand identity and marketing are closely tied to its global sponsorship portfolio, most notably its long-standing partnership with Manchester United F.C..

Services and products

The airline offers a multi-class cabin configuration, featuring Business Class, Economy Class, and a premium Comfort Class on specific routes. Its Istanbul Airport hub features exclusive lounges for premium passengers, including the massive Turkish Airlines Lounge. The in-flight entertainment system, dubbed **Planet**, offers a wide selection of content. The carrier is renowned for its culinary service, with meals curated by onboard chefs in business class and a dedicated flying chef program on select long-haul flights. Its frequent-flyer program, **Miles&Smiles**, allows for accrual and redemption across the Star Alliance network.

Accidents and incidents

The airline has experienced several notable accidents throughout its history. The deadliest occurred in 1974, when Turkish Airlines Flight 981, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, crashed near Ermenonville in France due to a cargo door failure, resulting in 346 fatalities. In 2009, Turkish Airlines Flight 1951, a Boeing 737-800, crashed on approach to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, killing nine. Other significant incidents include the hijacking of Turkish Airlines Flight 1476 in 2006, which was diverted to Brindisi in Italy, and a runway overrun accident involving Turkish Airlines Flight 6491, a cargo flight operated by ACT Airlines, at Manas International Airport in 2017.

Awards and recognition

The carrier has received extensive industry acclaim, particularly for its service quality. It has been repeatedly voted "Best Airline in Europe" at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The airline's catering has earned it the "World's Best Business Class Airline Catering" award from Skytrax for multiple consecutive years. Its lounge at Istanbul Airport has also been recognized as one of the best in the world. Further accolades include high rankings from APEX (airline association) and consistent five-star ratings from the Airline Passenger Experience Association.

Category:Airlines of Turkey Category:Star Alliance Category:Companies based in Istanbul