History of Turkish Airlines in Timeline
Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Turkey, boasts an extensive network, serving 352 destinations across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas as of June 2024. It holds the distinction of flying to more countries (131) than any other airline and operating more non-stop routes from a single airport. Its cargo division, Turkish Cargo, utilizes 24 aircraft to reach 82 destinations. The airline also owns the low-cost carrier AJet, further expanding its reach.
May 1933: Establishment of Turkish State Airlines
In May 1933, Turkish Airlines was established as Turkish State Airlines, functioning as a department within the Ministry of National Defense. The initial fleet comprised of two five-seat Curtiss Kingbirds, two four-seat Junkers F 13s, and one ten-seat Tupolev ANT-9.
1933: Start of Operations
In 1933, Turkish Airlines began its operations with a fleet of five aircraft.
1935: Airline Transferred to Ministry of Public Works
In 1935, Turkish State Airlines was transferred from the Ministry of National Defense to the Ministry of Public Works and subsequently renamed General Directorate of State Airlines.
1938: Airline Becomes Part of Ministry of Transportation
In 1938, the General Directorate of State Airlines became a part of the Ministry of Transportation.
1945: Fleet Expansion
In 1945, Turkish Airlines' fleet grew to 52 aircraft with the addition of Douglas DC-3s after World War II, becoming the largest carrier in the Middle East.
1945: Douglas Aircraft Phased In
In 1945, Turkish State Airlines phased in several Douglas DC-3s and Douglas C-47s to its fleet.
1947: Commencement of International Services
In 1947, Turkish State Airlines initiated its first international services with flights between Ankara, Istanbul, and Athens, utilizing Douglas DC-3s and C-47s to expand its network.
1956: Reorganization and Renaming to Türk Hava Yolları A.O.
In 1956, the Turkish government reorganized the airline, renaming it Türk Hava Yolları A.O. (THY), and capitalized it at TRY 60 million. Shortly after, the airline joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
1957: BOAC Technical Support and Shareholding
In 1957, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) began providing technical support to Türk Hava Yolları A.O. after acquiring a 6.5 percent shareholding, which it retained for approximately 20 years.
1967: Introduction of First Jet Aircraft
In 1967, Turkish Airlines introduced its first jet aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, to its fleet.
1971: Addition of Boeing 707 Jets
In 1971, Turkish Airlines expanded its jet fleet with the addition of three Boeing 707 aircraft.
1972: Addition of Wide-Body Aircraft
In 1972, Turkish Airlines added its first wide-body aircraft, the Douglas DC-10, to its fleet.
1972: Introduction of McDonnell Douglas DC-10
In 1972, Turkish Airlines added the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft to its fleet.
1973: Introduction of Fokker F28
In 1973, Turkish Airlines introduced the Fokker F28 aircraft to its fleet.
1974: Turkish Airlines Flight 981 Crash
In 1974, Turkish Airlines Flight 981 crashed near Ermenonville, France, due to a faulty cargo door, resulting in 346 fatalities. At the time, THY981 was the worst plane crash in history.
1983: Accident Occurred
By 1983, Turkish Airlines had suffered seven accidents between 1974 and 1983.
1983: Government Recognizes Importance of THY
In 1983, a new government came to power and recognized THY's importance as Turkey's gateway to the world, initiating the airline's transformation into a modern operation. Security was intensified.
1984: New Technical Center and Capital Increase
In 1984, THY built a new technical center at Yeşilköy Airport. The company's capital was raised to 60 billion TL as it was classified as a state economic enterprise. According to Air Transport World, technical staff then made up one-quarter of the airline's 6,000 employees.
1985: Introduction of Airbus A310s
In 1985, Turkish Airlines began operating Airbus A310s, expanding its fleet.
1987: New York City Route Added
In 1987, Turkish Airlines introduced a route to New York City, with a stopover in Brussels.
1987: Posted Losses
In 1987, Turkish Airlines posted losses, largely due to high payments on its dozen new Airbus A310s, according to Air Transport World.
1988: Posted Losses
In 1988, Turkish Airlines posted losses, largely due to high payments on its dozen new Airbus A310s, according to Air Transport World.
1990: Order for Airbus A340 Aircraft
In 1990, Turkish Airlines placed an order for five Airbus A340 aircraft, with an option for five more, to facilitate non-stop flights to North American and East Asian destinations.
1993: Delivery of First Airbus A340
In 1993, Turkish Airlines received its first Airbus A340 aircraft, which was part of an order placed in 1990.
July 1994: Launch of Nonstop Flight to New York City
In July 1994, Turkish Airlines launched a nonstop flight to New York City.
1995: Capital Increase and Fleet Adjustments
In 1995, Turkish Airlines' capital was raised to 10 trillion TL. The airline converted three Boeing 727s to freighters and sold off its DC-9s. The company posted a $6 million profit on revenues of $1 billion for the year.
1996: Domestic Market Deregulation
In 1996, the domestic market was deregulated, introducing new competition from charter airlines. Turkish Airlines entered marketing agreements with other international airlines to enhance competitiveness.
1997: Flights to Chicago
In 1997, THY began to operate flights to Chicago as its second destination in the US.
1997: Marketing agreements with other international airlines
In 1997, THY teamed with Japan Airlines to offer service to Osaka and Tokyo.
November 1998: Part of the Qualiflyer frequent-flyer program
Turkish Airlines was part of the Qualiflyer alliance's frequent-flyer program since November 1998.
1998: Flights to Tokyo
In 1998, THY teamed with Japan Airlines to offer service to Osaka and Tokyo.
January 2000: New Terminal Opens at Istanbul Atatürk Airport
In January 2000, a new terminal was opened at Istanbul's Istanbul Atatürk Airport.
October 2000: Withdrawal from Qualiflyer Alliance
On 29 October 2000, THY withdrew from the Swissair-led Qualiflyer alliance to attract a strategic investor for privatization. The airline had been part of the alliance's frequent-flyer program since November 1998.
2000: Marketing agreements with other international airlines
In 2000, Turkish Airlines continued to extend their international reach, forging marketing agreements with Asiana Airlines, American Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Czech Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
2000: Inauguration of Miles&Smiles
In 2000, Turkish Airlines inaugurated its frequent-flyer program, Miles&Smiles, after leaving Qualiflyer. Miles can be used on Turkish Airlines flights and flights operated by the Star Alliance network.
2001: Antalya-Frankfurt Route Added
In 2001, an Antalya-Frankfurt route was added through a code-sharing agreement with Sun Express.
2001: Economic Crisis and Survival
Throughout most of 2001, Turkey experienced an economic crisis, leading to a reduction in traffic. Turkish Airlines survived the September 11 attacks without a bailout or mass layoffs by getting rid of loss-making routes.
2003: Route Closures and Service Resumption
In 2003, the war in Iraq led Turkish Airlines to close some routes in the Persian Gulf, and flights to Asia were suspended during the SARS epidemic. The airline soon recovered, increasing traffic and adding service to Delhi after an 11-year lapse.
2003: Tourism Rising
In 2003, tourism was rising, with 12 million people visiting the country.
November 2004: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Established
On November 10, 2004, Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA) was established by the 28th THY Board.
2005: Divestment from Cyprus Turkish Airlines
In 2005, THY divested its 50% holding in Cyprus Turkish Airlines (Kıbrıs Türk Hava Yolları).
2005: Tourism Rising
In 2005, tourism was rising, with 20 million people expected to visit the country.
December 2006: Integration process of Star Alliance started
In December 2006, Turkish Airlines started an 18-month integration process of Star Alliance.
2006: Turkish Technic Incorporated
In 2006, Turkish Airlines' maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center, Turkish Technic, was incorporated and is responsible for the maintenance of Turkish Airlines and other third party aircraft within eight hangars.
April 2008: Joined Star Alliance
In April 2008, Turkish Airlines officially became a member of the Star Alliance network, integrating as the seventh European airline within the 20-member alliance.
2008: Boeing 777-300s Leased
In 2008, Turkish Airlines leased three Boeing 777-300s and later ordered 12 more from Boeing.
January 2010: TEC Engine Center Opened
In January 2010, Turkish Technic opened an engine center in partnership with Pratt & Whitney called TEC (Turkish Engine Center) at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The facility provides engine MRO services worldwide.
2010: Sponsorships
Since 2010, Turkish Airlines has been the primary sponsor of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and was among the sponsors of the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
2010: New Technical and Training Facility
THY was planning to spend $350 million on a new technical and training facility at Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in 2010.
December 2011: Modernization Plans for Aden Adde International Airport
In December 2011, the Turkish government announced plans to modernize the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia.
March 2012: Resumption of Flights to Somalia
In March 2012, Turkish Airlines became the first international carrier to resume flights to Somalia since the start of that country's civil war in the early 1990s.
October 2013: Euroleague Sponsorship Extension
On October 22, 2013, Turkish Airlines and Euroleague signed an agreement to prolong their existing sponsorship deal by five years until 2020.
2013: Increased Flight Points and Operations at Sabiha Gökçen
By the end of 2013, Turkish Airlines had expanded its network to 241 destinations worldwide. The airline also increased operations at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, positioning it as a secondary hub.
2013: Large Aircraft Order
In 2013, Turkish Airlines placed an order for almost 200 aircraft.
2013: Turkish Airlines Open Sponsorship
Since 2013, Turkish Airlines has been the sponsor of the Turkish Airlines Open, a European Tour golf tournament played annually in Turkey.
2014: Kit Sponsorship
In 2014, Turkish Airlines became the kit sponsor of Galatasaray for the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League and Bosnian club FK Sarajevo.
January 2016: Partnership with Warner Bros.
On January 29, 2016, Turkish Airlines announced its partnership with Warner Bros. to sponsor the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The airline also teamed up with Turkish tourist agencies in the production of the romantic comedy film Non-Transferable that year.
August 2016: Profit Collapse and Expected Losses
In August 2016, Turkish Airlines announced a profit collapse, reporting a loss of 198 million Euros for the second quarter of 2016 and expecting an overall loss of 10 million passengers for 2016.
2016: Temporary Flight Ban and Resumption
Following the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned flights between Turkey and the United States. The ban was lifted on July 18, and Turkish Airlines resumed flights to the U.S. on July 19 after a three-day disruption.
2017: Reductions in Operations
For the upcoming 2016–2017 schedule period, Turkish Airlines announced significant reductions in operations, including frequency cuts to 45 European and 13 intercontinental routes.
2017: Financial Recovery
In 2017, Turkish Airlines recovered financially, showing an almost 35% increase in turnover and a return to profitability.
February 2019: Sponsorship for League of Ireland
In February 2019, Turkish Airlines arranged to become partial sponsors for League of Ireland First Division side Drogheda United.
August 2019: Sponsorship of Club Atlético River Plate
In August 2019, Turkish Airlines reached an agreement with Club Atlético River Plate to become the main sponsor of the Argentine sports club for the next three seasons.
2019: Boeing 787-9 Delivery Started
Delivery of the Boeing 787-9 aircraft ordered in March 2018 started in 2019.
2020: Airbus A350-900 Delivery Started
Delivery of the Airbus A350-900 aircraft ordered in March 2018 started in 2020.
2020: Withdrawal from International Routes at Sabiha Gökçen
In 2020, Turkish Airlines announced its intention to withdraw from international routes at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, transferring these routes to its low-cost subsidiary, AnadoluJet.
2020: Sponsorship Extended Until 2020
Turkish Airlines and Euroleague had a sponsorship agreement extended until 2020, signed on October 22, 2013.
2021: Sponsorship Agreement with UEFA
Prior to the start of the 2022–23 season, Turkish Airlines becomes the official global sponsors of the UEFA Champions League and the Super Cup, UEFA Youth League and the Futsal Champions League for the remainder of the 2021–24 cycle.
January 2022: İlker Aycı Resigns
On January 26, 2022, İlker Aycı resigned from his position as chairman of Turkish Airlines.
February 2022: Cargo Operations Relocated to Istanbul Airport
In February 2022, Turkish Cargo relocated all cargo flights and operations from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to the new Istanbul Airport.
2022: Official Global Sponsors
Prior to the start of the 2022–23 season, Turkish Airlines becomes the official global sponsors of the UEFA Champions League and the Super Cup, UEFA Youth League and the Futsal Champions League.
February 2023: Plans to Spin Off AnadoluJet
In February 2023, Turkish Airlines confirmed plans to spin off AnadoluJet from an incorporated brand name into an independent airline.
May 2024: Fleet Size
As of May 2024, Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 407 aircraft, consisting of 13 passenger aircraft types.
December 2024: Flights to Santiago Announced
In December 2024, Turkish Airlines announced the commencement of flights to Santiago, Chile, marking it as the 10th country served in the Americas, with a total of 26 destinations in the region.
December 2024: Guinness World Record
In December 2024, Turkish Airlines officially earned a Guinness World Record title for connecting the highest number of countries, which is 131.
January 2025: Launch of Flights to Benghazi Announced
Turkish Airlines announced the launch of flights to Benghazi commencing starting January 14, 2025. The airline last served the most populous city in Libya more than a decade ago.
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