Turkish Airlines is the national airline of Türkiye. Over its rich history, it has gone from a modest carrier with three aircraft to one of the leaders in world aviation.
1933, May 20: Turkish Airlines was created.
30 people made up the original team.
The fleet consisted of 5 aircraft at the start of the project.
1947: The first international flight was made from Istanbul to Athens.
In 1951, there was a significant expansion of the company: the fleet increased to 33 aircraft, and the route network was replenished with new destinations – Nicosia, Beirut and Cairo.
In 1953, Istanbul Eşilköy Airport was built and immediately began receiving international flights.
The year 1955 was significant – the airline was named Turkish Airlines and was included in the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Since 1958, with the addition of 5 Viscount 794 aircraft to the fleet and the transition to jet engines, the airline entered a new era of its development.
In 1959, Mesut Manioglu created the Turkish Airlines logo, which depicts a bar-headed goose. This bird was not chosen by chance: bar-headed geese are known for their ability to fly to altitudes of up to 9000 meters, which symbolizes the airline’s desire to constantly develop and reach new heights.
In 1961, Turkish Airlines pilots Zihni Barin and Nurettin made the first transatlantic flight in the company’s history on an F-27.
In 1972, Turkish Airlines showed phenomenal growth: the company’s capital increased by 100%, from 200 to 400 million liras.
In 1973, the Turkish Airlines fleet was replenished with the first European aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10.
In 1998, the Turkish Airlines website was launched.
In 2003, the airline began using electronic tickets and online check-in, making ticket purchasing more convenient and accessible.
Turkish Airlines operates regular flights to 220 foreign and 42 domestic airports in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
Turkish airline flies to 120 countries, more than any other airline.
About 31000 people work for Turkish Airlines. A close-knit team provides high quality passenger service.
