ISTANBUL- The Flag carrier of Turkiye, Turkish Airlines (TK) advances its Sydney (SYD) service launch, scheduling the inaugural Istanbul (IST)-Kuala Lumpur (KUL)-Sydney flight for November 28, 2024, a week earlier than initially planned.
The airline will operate the first two flights using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft instead of the Airbus A350-900XWB.
Turkish Airlines Prepones Sydney Flight
The new schedule for the first flights as reported by Aeroroutes is:
- TK174 will depart Istanbul at 15:15, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 06:20 the next day. The flight will then continue to Sydney, landing at 18:30 local time. This route will operate on November 28 and 30, 2024.
- TK175, the return flight, will leave Sydney at 20:40, reaching Kuala Lumpur at 01:55 the following day. It will then proceed to Istanbul, arriving at 10:15 local time. This service is scheduled for November 29 and December 1, 2024.
The carrier also operates three weekly flights between Istanbul and Melbourne (MEL) via Singapore (SIN) using the same aircraft type.
The airline’s A350-900s, configured with 32 Business and 297 Economy seats, will offer 987 weekly seats each way on the Istanbul-Singapore-Melbourne route. The new Sydney service via Kuala Lumpur will provide 1,306 seats per week in each direction.
The regular schedule for the Istanbul-Sydney route will operate four times weekly
Departure
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays:
- TK174 departs Istanbul at 15:15, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 06:20+1
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays:
- TK174 departs Kuala Lumpur at 07:40, arriving in Sydney at 18:30
Return Flight
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays:
- TK175 departs Sydney at 20:40, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 01:55+1
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays:
- TK175 departs Kuala Lumpur at 03:55, arriving in Istanbul at 10:15
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, expressed enthusiasm when TK announced it last month, for the new route, stating it strengthens the airline’s presence in Australia and enhances connectivity for passengers.
Bolat also revealed plans for future non-stop flights to Sydney once suitable long-range aircraft become available.
Status Match with Qantas
Turkish Airlines launches an aggressive loyalty campaign, offering instant status matches to Qantas (QF) Platinum and Platinum One members. Accepted applicants receive four months of Elite tier membership in Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles program.
The Elite tier provides numerous benefits:
- Airport lounge access for members, family, or a guest
- Complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi
- Free seat selection
- Increased baggage allowance
- ‘Hold the price’ service at no cost
- Special meal request options
This move aims to attract high-value frequent flyers from Qantas, potentially shifting loyalty dynamics in the Australian market. Turkish Airlines is strategically enhancing its frequent flyer offerings to compete with Qantas’ established program.
As a Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines’ Elite status equates to Star Alliance Gold, extending benefits across partner airlines like Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, and United Airlines.
Direct Flight in 2026
Turkish Airlines plans to launch non-stop flights between Istanbul and Sydney in 2026, utilizing the Airbus A350-1000. The airline recently ordered 220 Airbus aircraft, including 70 A350s: 50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s, and 5 A350Fs, along with 150 A321s.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton welcomed the announcement, highlighting the direct flights as a milestone for European travel. Charlton emphasized the seamless access to numerous destinations via Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub and praised the airline’s selection of Sydney for its first non-stop service to Australia.
The CEO noted the significant Turkish-Australian population in New South Wales, with over 15,000 Turkish-born residents. He also pointed out Turkey’s popularity as a destination for Australian travelers, expressing confidence in strong support for the new service.
Turkish Airlines dominates global aviation, operating flights to more countries than any other carrier. The airline’s extensive network primarily radiates from Istanbul Airport (IST), complemented by select cargo-only routes. Turkish Airlines spans five continents: Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Current data reveals that Turkish Airlines serves over 50 domestic destinations and more than 260 international locations. The carrier’s reach extends to nearly 140 countries through a combination of passenger and cargo services.
The airline maintains a modern fleet of 360 aircraft, with an average age of 9 years.
Qatar Airways Blocked Flight Controversy
This expansion occurs amid controversy surrounding the Australian government’s rejection of Qatar Airways’ bid to double its flights to Australia. The decision prompted a Senate inquiry and allegations of Qantas exerting undue influence on government policy.
Qatar Airways’ blocked expansion could have potentially reduced airfares on European routes and increased tourism revenue.
Turkish Airlines formally applied for bilateral air rights with Australia in late 2023, marking a significant development in the country’s aviation landscape. Concurrently, Qatar Airways has resubmitted its application for increased flights following the controversial rejection in 2023.
New Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has stated that the airline will not oppose Qatar Airways’ latest application, potentially signaling a shift in the competitive dynamics of Australia’s international air travel market.
All Photos except Airbus A350-1000 belong to Clément Alloing (@CAlloing) / X. Follow him for exclusive and new aircraft shots.
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