NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Responding to growing demand, Turkish Airlines will increase non-stop Trans-Atlantic flights to Istanbul from three of its U.S. gateways – New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC – offering more frequent and convenient departures for both business and leisure travelers. The carrier’s Istanbul hub is rapidly becoming a key global connecting point for international travelers, providing convenient connections to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Non-stop flights between New York’s JFK International Airport and Istanbul Atatürk Airport will increase to 14 flights from 11 per week effective March 25, 2012, peaking at 21 flights per week during the busy summer travel season between May 28, 2012 and September 16, 2012 on Boeing 777 and Airbus 330 aircraft. Additionally, effective March 26, 2012, Los Angeles International Airport will offer daily non-stop flights to the Istanbul hub and from Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport flights will also increase to daily service as of March 31, 2012.
On par with its global expansion, beginning March 6, 2012, Turkish Airlines will launch service to Mogadishu, Somalia, operating twice weekly flights via Khartoum. Flights will depart Tuesdays and Thursdays from Atatürk Airport and return from Mogadishu on Wednesdays and Fridays.
“We are constantly expanding, charting new routes and adding additional flights to ensure that we meet the needs of our broadening passenger base,” said Turkish Airlines General Manager, Dr. Temel Kotil. “Our expansion into Mogadishu is one recent example of our rapidly growing global footprint and we plan to continue branching out to other parts of the world.”
About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 177 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 190 cities around the world, comprised of 40 domestic and 150 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner in 3 categories, “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”. It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011”. Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.
About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveler. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, British Midland International, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanaır, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Avianca-TACA, Copa Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 21,000 daily flights to 1,290 airports in 189 countries.