Turkish Airlines was one of more than 2,000 exhibitors and representatives to attend the Arabian Travel Market 2023 conference in Dubai. At the conference, the airline highlighted its future growth plans, industry accolades, and its partnership with UEFA Champions League.
In recent years, the airline has won multiple awards due to the quality of its products and services. The awards include the following:
- Apex Best Seat Comfort in Europe
- Apex Best Food & Beverage in Europe
- Skytrax World's Best in Business Class Catering
- Skytrax Best Airline in Europe
- Skytrax Best Airline in Southern Europe
Turkish Airlines announced its corporate plans for the next few years, expanding on the rapid growth that the airline has witnessed over the last two decades.
On the financial side, Turkish Airlines has established targets for its revenue to reach $50 billion and profit margins to reach between 20% and 25% over the next ten years. The airline expects efficiency improvements and cost discipline to contribute $140 billion to Turkey's economy during the same time period.
Turkish Airlines additionally plans to expand its fleet and passenger capacity over a ten-year period. The airline plans to grow its fleet from the current level of 413 aircraft to 435 aircraft by the end of this year, and to over 800 aircraft in ten years. Passenger capacity is expected to double from 85 million in 2023 to 170 million in 2023, with an annual average growth rate of 7%.
Turkish Airlines is making major service changes in response to rapidly growing travel demand. Passengers who are using the airline for connecting flights will now have the opportunity to explore Istanbul through the Stopover in Istanbul program.
Stopover in Istanbul provides passengers with the opportunity to visit Istanbul if they have a flight that connects through Istanbul Airport (IST). Travelers in economy class get one night in a 4-star hotel while business class passengers get two nights in a 5-star hotel.
On May 1, Turkish Airlines started providing Stopover in Istanbul to passengers from the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, and Georgia. The airline currently operates the service for passengers from 56 countries.
Turkish Airlines additionally launched flights to two new destinations this week. The airline started operating three weekly flights to Krakow on May 1 and four weekly flights to Palermo on May 5.
Finally, Turkish Airlines plans to continue its sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League. The final game for the current season is scheduled to take place at Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on June 10.
Turkish Airlines' Vice President of Sales for the Middle East and Cyprus Erol Şenol said, "We are more proud of the awards and recognition we have received, but we are even more excited about the ambitious growth plans we have set for ourselves. We are committed to providing our passengers with exceptional service and connectivity, and we look forward to achieving our goals in the years ahead."
The airline's announcements come amid increasing competition in the Middle East's aviation industry. Carriers such as Emirates, Saudia, and Qatar Airways have outlined their own plans to expand service and connectivity. Turkish Airlines announced these initiatives as a way to stand out against its competition.
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