Image source: Wikipedia
Istanbul: Turkish Airlines has outlined its fleet expansion plans, aiming to reach 500 aircraft by September 2025 and further expanding to 813 by 2033.
The airline’s fleet has grown steadily over the years, reaching 100 aircraft in 2006, 200 in 2012, 300 in 2016, and 400 in 2023. Turkish Airlines is on track to reach 500 aircraft by September 2025 and has previously confirmed its goal of expanding to 813 aircraft by 2033.
In December 2023, the airline announced its long-term growth strategy and is reportedly in discussions with Airbus for a potential order of 355 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.
Financial Growth and Economic Contributions
During a recent meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat shared the airline’s financial performance and long-term objectives.
Image source: LinkedIn – Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of Turkish Airlines
Bolat stated, “In 2024, together with the subsidiaries of our Incorporation, the total employment exceeded 95 thousand, and we increased our service exports to 18 billion dollars.” He also noted that Turkish Airlines’ contribution to the Turkish economy reached $60 billion in 2024, with a target to surpass $100 billion by 2028.
The airline has also seen growth in its cargo operations, driven by strong
demand from Asia. “Due to strong demand from Asia, 2 million tons of cargo were handled, and revenue rose by 35 percent from 2023 to reach $3.5 billion,” Bolat said.
Additionally, the airline has made progress in reducing its debt. “The carrier’s debt has decreased by $8.3 billion, from $14 billion to $5.7 billion, since the end of 2020,” Bolat added.
Tourism and Market Expansion
Turkish Airlines played a role in Türkiye’s tourism sector, transporting approximately 16 million of the 62.2 million tourists visiting the country in 2024, generating an economic impact of $14.2 billion. Bolat highlighted Turkish Airlines’ global tourism promotion efforts, stating, “With our Turkey Promotion Events that we organized in the countries where we set priority targets, we told millions of people about the richness and beauty spread all over our country.”
The airline has also expanded its Turkish Airlines Holidays brand, which now offers special privileges and holiday packages across more than 200 destinations in over 60 countries.
Fleet Expansion and Special Commemoration
To mark the addition of its 500th aircraft, Turkish Airlines has announced a special initiative. Bolat stated, “We will dress this aircraft with the photos of our retired and still working friends who have served our brand, and we will carry our family to the sky.”
Infrastructure and Sustainability
The airline continues to expand its operations through its hub at Istanbul Airport, a $12 billion aviation facility designed to accommodate additional aircraft and strengthen connectivity between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In addition to fleet expansion, Turkish Airlines has emphasized sustainability initiatives. The airline recently announced, “We are proud to be the world’s first airline to earn the IEnvA Energy Module Certification. By embracing international standards in energy management, we continue to contribute to the sustainable future of aviation.”
With its growing fleet, increasing economic contributions, debt reduction, and sustainability efforts, Turkish Airlines continues its expansion as it moves toward its 100th anniversary in May 2033.
Stay tuned to Aviation Today for more such updates.
