Turkish Airlines has set its sights on future expansion in the United States, with Minneapolis, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Orlando identified as potential new destinations. The chairman of the carrier, Ahmet Bolat, expressed confidence in the airline’s growth, with plans to increase the number of U.S. destinations from the current 14 to 20. While specific timelines for these developments were not provided, Bolat emphasized the importance of increasing frequencies on existing routes, such as the Istanbul-Detroit service, to meet rising demand.
As part of its expansion strategy, Turkish Airlines has placed orders for 75 Airbus A350 widebodies with options for an additional 15 aircraft. The airline is also considering adding the Boeing 777x to its fleet, pending certification. These investments are aimed at doubling Turkish Airlines’ capacity over the next decade, with plans to grow its fleet size from 460 planes to approximately 810, including its low-cost brand, AJet.
Global network development
In addition to expanding its presence in the U.S., Turkish Airlines intends to use its new widebody aircraft to strengthen its operations in Africa and increase frequencies on routes across Asia. By enhancing its network connectivity, the airline aims to solidify its position in the competitive East-West connecting market, where it faces formidable rivals like Emirates and Qatar Airways. With plans to add 50 new destinations to its extensive route network, Turkish Airlines is poised for continued growth in the global aviation industry.
Turkish Airlines is gearing up for the implementation of its NDC program, TK Connect, scheduled to roll out on October 1. With three options available to travel advisors – direct connect, web-based booking portal, or third party via aggregators – the airline aims to streamline the booking process and enhance customer experience. Approved aggregators such as Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport will play a key role in facilitating NDC bookings for Turkish Airlines.
Benefits for travel advisors
Chief Commercial Officer Ahmet Olmustur highlighted the advantages of the new NDC program for travel advisors, emphasizing the ease of selling ancillaries and enriched product offerings. By offering a smoother booking process and enabling the sale of additional services like extra bags and premium seats, Turkish Airlines aims to differentiate its product and provide a more personalized experience for travelers. The airline has taken lessons from previous NDC rollouts and is confident in the reliability and efficiency of its NDC platform.
Turkish Airlines’ ambitious expansion plans and innovative NDC program demonstrate its commitment to growth and customer satisfaction. With a strategic focus on enhancing its global network, increasing fleet capacity, and improving booking processes, Turkish Airlines is poised to elevate the passenger experience and solidify its position as a leading carrier in the aviation industry.