Elite Traveler Summer 2019

SPECIAL PROMOTION TURKISH AIRLINES: FLYING THE FLAG FOR LUXURY AVIATION

Founded with a fleet of five aircraft in 1933, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines flies to more countries and international destinations than any other airline in the world. Flying to 259 international and 49 domestic destinations, totaling 308 destinations in 124 countries on five continents, Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 335 passenger and cargo aircraft. Having a centrally located hub between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, Istanbul provides excellent connectivity. As a result, Turkish Airlines is able to consistently increase passenger numbers. The airline has extensive coverage in these regions, serving 113 destinations in Europe, 56 in Africa and 73 in Asia, including the Middle East and the Far East. In North America, Turkish Airlines currently has 11 gateway cities: Atlanta, Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto and Montreal. Turkish Airlines opened its first office in North America in New York City when it began operating its first route from Istanbul to New York City via Brussels in 1988. A nonstop flight to New York City was launched shortly after in July 1994. The New York corporate office is located in the iconic Empire State Building, and New York’s JFK airport remains a strong hub for Turkish Airlines’ daily nonstop flights via Istanbul. One of the most significant milestones in Turkish global civil aviation history is the launch of the new Istanbul Airport, which officially opened on April 6 this year and is scheduled to be the largest international hub by passenger capacity upon completion. The flag-carrier airline is starting a new era at its new home, which will be the new center of the global aviation sector. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary milestone, Elite Traveler speaks with Cenk Ocal, general manager of Turkish Airlines in New York, to learn more about the company’s incredible growth.