The national flagship carrier of Turkey, the Turkish Airlines have their headquarters at the grounds of Turkish Airlines General Management Building of Atatürk Airport in Yeşilköy, Bakırköy, Istanbul. Established on May 20, 1933 as the State Airlines Administration, being supervised by the Ministry of National Defence, it was only in 1956 that Turkish Airlines Inc was established with a capital stock of TRL 60 million. Since then, this airline has won the Skytrax awards for Southern Europe's Best Airline four times, World's Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat and Europe's Best Airline for three consecutive years in 2011, 2012 and 2013. It had also been selected as the Airline of the Year in 2013 by Air Transport News at their award ceremony.
The fleet
As of 2014, this organisation has a fleet of 262 operational aircraft, comprising of 5 A340-300, 13 A330-300, 16 A330-200, 43 A321-200, 33 A320-200, 14 A319-132/100, 16 B777-300 ER, 88 B737-800, 10 B737-700, 3 A310, 6 A330-200F and 10 B737-900 ER. All of these airplanes flying each day are high on safety, convenience and a promise to deliver a hassle free air journey. Since May 2010, the logo on the fin has been changed from red over white to white over red and all of flights fly under these colors.
Destination
Turkish Airlines flies to 251 destinations in 105 countries across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and North America. The popular African destinations include Abuja, Douala, Dakar and Accra; European destinations include Amsterdam, Berlin, Basil, Barcelona, Budapest, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, Hannover, Hamburg, London, Manchester, Madrid, Lyon, Milan, Munich, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Rome, Rotterdam, St Petersburg, Venice, Zurich and more. In Asia, this airline travels to Dubai, Delhi, Dhaka, Bangkok, Mumbai, Lahore, Karachi and more.
On board services and facilities
Part of the in cabin entertainment, the Digital Planet feature on several flights allows you to tune in to audio and video on demand. You have access to international, children’s and classical films; a documentary channel that shows sports, food, cartoons, technology and fashion clips. You also get a CD album playing jazz and blues, pop, rock and various other international and regional music. Passengers also have special meal services that can be pre-booked online or ordered on the flight.
Online booking and baggage allowance
Both international and domestic passengers have the added advantage of choosing their seat and getting flight tickets via online booking. There also are web check-in services that provide the passenger the liberty to check in 24 hours to 90 minutes prior to the departure time of their flight. All baggage must be less than 32 kg or else you may be liable to pay extra charges.