Turkish Airlines is setting its sights on expanding its U.S. route network, with plans to add Minneapolis, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Orlando to its list of destinations. The airline’s chairman, Ahmet Bolat, expressed confidence in this expansion during an interview in Denver. Denver itself has recently become a new destination for Turkish Airlines, with flights now operating three times per week and expected to increase to four times per week soon.
Turkish Airlines is looking to significantly grow its capacity over the coming decade, with aspirations to double its fleet size from 460 planes to approximately 810. The airline has 75 Airbus A350 widebodies on order, with options for 15 more. Additionally, Turkish is contemplating adding the Boeing 777x to its fleet once the aircraft is certified. These orders are part of the airline’s strategy to not only expand its U.S. routes but also to strengthen its presence in Africa and Asia by increasing frequencies and adding new destinations.
The airline’s chief commercial officer, Ahmet Olmustur, elaborated on Turkish Airlines’ plans to launch an NDC program called TK Connect on October 1st. This platform will provide travel advisors with multiple options, including direct connect, a web-based booking portal, or third party access via aggregators such as Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. While there will be a surcharge on legacy GDS bookings, Turkish Airlines aims to offer a more seamless booking experience for agencies, with enhanced product offerings and the ability to sell ancillaries.
Olmustur highlighted that Turkish Airlines has learned from the challenges faced by other airlines in rolling out NDC programs and intends to address these issues proactively. By utilizing the most recent IATA standard and developing its NDC interface accordingly, Turkish aims to avoid the servicing problems that have plagued previous NDC implementations. The airline is focused on providing a smooth transition for travel advisors while also enhancing the overall booking experience for customers.
Turkish Airlines’ ambitious expansion plans and focus on upgrading its technological capabilities demonstrate its commitment to growth and innovation in the competitive aviation industry. By strategically adding new U.S. destinations, expanding its fleet, and launching an advanced NDC platform, Turkish Airlines is positioning itself for long-term success and continued leadership in the global airline market.