Australia is poised to enjoy expanded access to Europe following approval by the government of a fivefold increase in Turkish Airlines flights to several Australian airports. Transport Minister Catherine King has given the green light to the pre-Christmas agreement, which holds the potential to lower airfares for flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia starting in 2024.
Initially slated to commence with seven weekly services, the carrier's updated plans, revealed over the weekend, indicate a substantial increase to 21 flights. This covers not only Sydney and Melbourne, both of which Turkish Airlines has long planned to add to its network map, but also Brisbane, Perth and the new Western Sydney airport opening in 2026.
Turkish Airlines will use either A350s or 787s for its expanded services.
That capacity will increase to 28 a week from mid-2024 and 35 from mid-2025 – overtaking Qatar Airways' services to Australia.
A coveted fifth freedom flight, referring to an international service that does not take off or land within the carrier’s home country, was also approved. It means Australians will be able to fly on the airline to destinations such as Singapore without needing to book a second leg to Istanbul.
In related news this week and certainly an important factor in this recent announcement is Turkish Airlines Huge Airbus Order. The airline will expand its fleet with an order for 220 Airbus aircraft, made up of 150 Airbus A321s and 70 A350 widebody aircraft (50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s and 5 A350F freighters).
This order follows two from the airline for 10 A350-900s in September and four A350-900s in July 2023. This latest order will take Turkish Airlines’ total order book for Airbus aircraft to 504, of which 212 are already delivered.
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“On the new order, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat stated: “This landmark order is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future. The addition of these advanced Airbus aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to our environmental goals. This investment is a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye’s aviation industry. By modernising our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to the nation’s prominence as an aviation hub.”
"This order for the latest generation aircraft is a demonstration of the bold vision by Turkish Airlines. The A350-900, A350-1000, A350F and A321 will all be flagship aircraft in their respective category and efficiency drivers to shape the airline’s future and sustainable expansion, with more range, less fuel, noise and emissions and best cabin in class," says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The opening into the A350-1000 and the A350F highlights the cross-model value of the A350 family and reinforces our long-lasting partnership with Turkish Airlines and Türkiye’s aviation sector. We are proud to accompany Türkiye's connection to the world with our state-of-the-art aircraft."
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