Türk Hava Yollari Anonim Ortakligi, commonly known as Turkish Airlines, is the national flag carrier of Turkey, offering passenger and cargo air transportation services. Headquartered in Istanbul, the company operates an extensive global network spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Its primary hub at Istanbul Airport connects major international markets, while a secondary hub in Ankara supports domestic and regional services. The airline’s modern fleet comprises a mix of narrow- and wide-body aircraft configured for various route profiles, enabling efficient operations across short, medium and long-haul flights.
Founded in 1933 with a fleet of just five aircraft, Turkish Airlines has evolved into one of the world’s leading carriers by destination count. The airline joined the Star Alliance network in 2008, enhancing its code-share partnerships and seamless connectivity for travelers. Over the decades, it has expanded its route map to include more than 300 destinations in over 120 countries, serving a diverse customer base that ranges from leisure travelers to multinational corporations. The company has also invested in digital platforms and customer-centric innovations, including mobile check-in, online baggage tracking and in-flight entertainment systems.
In addition to its core passenger business, Türk Hava Yollari offers dedicated air cargo services, transporting freight through a specialized fleet and leveraging the strategic geographic location of Istanbul as a trade and logistics hub. The airline’s vertically integrated operations include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities carried out by Turkish Technic, as well as catering and ground handling services under its subsidiaries. These complementary businesses enhance operational control and support ancillary revenue streams.
The company is governed by a board of directors and executive management team responsible for steering strategic growth and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ahmet Bolat serves as chairman of the board, while Bilal Ekşi holds the role of general manager and CEO, overseeing day-to-day operations. Under their leadership, Turkish Airlines continues to pursue network expansion, fleet modernization and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency.
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