History of Turkish Airlines in Timeline

Turkish Airlines (Türk Hava Yolları Anonim Ortaklığı) is the national flag carrier of Turkey. As of June 2024, it operates scheduled flights to 352 destinations across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. It holds the distinction of serving the most non-stop destinations from a single airport and flying to more countries (131) than any other airline. Turkish Cargo, its cargo division, operates with 24 aircraft to 82 destinations. The airline also owns a low-cost subsidiary, AJet.

May 1933: Turkish Airlines established

On May 20, 1933, Turkish Airlines was established as Turkish State Airlines, a department of the Ministry of National Defense. The airline's initial fleet included two five-seat Curtiss Kingbirds, two four-seat Junkers F 13s, and one ten-seat Tupolev ANT-9.

1933: Turkish Airlines Started Operations

In 1933, Turkish Airlines started operations with five aircraft.

1935: Turned over to the Ministry of Public Works

In 1935, Turkish Airlines was turned over to the Ministry of Public Works and subsequently renamed General Directorate of State Airlines.

1938: Became part of the Ministry of Transportation

In 1938, Turkish Airlines became part of the Ministry of Transportation.

1945: Douglas DC-3s and Douglas C-47s phased in

In 1945, several Douglas DC-3s and Douglas C-47s were phased into the Turkish Airlines fleet.

1945: Turkish Airlines fleet grew to 52

In 1945, the Turkish Airlines fleet grew to 52 after the addition of Douglas DC-3s used in the Second World War.

1947: Commenced international services

In 1947, Turkish Airlines commenced international services with the inauguration of Ankara–Istanbul–Athens flights, utilizing Douglas DC-3s and C-47s to expand its network.

1956: Reorganized as Türk Hava Yolları A.O.

In 1956, the Turkish government reorganized the airline under the name Türk Hava Yolları A.O., capitalized at TRY 60 million. Turkish Airlines also joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shortly thereafter.

1957: BOAC began supplying technical support

In 1957, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) began supplying technical support to Turkish Airlines after acquiring a 6.5 percent shareholding.

1967: Began operating its first jet

In 1967, Turkish Airlines began operating its first jet, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9.

1967: First Jet-Engined Aircraft Joins Fleet

In 1967, the first jet-engined aircraft of the airline was a Douglas DC-9, which joined the fleet.

1971: Addition of Boeing 707 jets

In 1971, Turkish Airlines added three Boeing 707 jets to its fleet.

1972: McDonnell Douglas DC-10 put into service

In 1972, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 was put into service by Turkish Airlines.

1972: First Wide-Body Aircraft Added to Fleet

In 1972, the first wide-body Douglas DC-10 was added to the Turkish Airlines fleet.

1973: Fokker F28 put into service

In 1973, the Fokker F28 was put into service by Turkish Airlines.

1974: Turkish Airlines Flight 981 crash

In 1974, Turkish Airlines Flight 981 crashed near Ermenonville, France, due to an aircraft design flaw, resulting in 346 fatalities. At the time, THY981 was the worst plane crash of all time.

1983: Endured seven accidents between 1974 and 1983

Between 1974 and 1983, Turkish Airlines endured seven accidents.

1983: New government began airline's makeover

In 1983, a new government recognized Turkish Airlines' importance as Turkey's gateway to the world, beginning the airline's makeover into a modern operation with intensified security.

1984: Built a new technical center

In 1984, Turkish Airlines built a new, state-of-the-art technical center at Yeşilköy Airport. In 1984, the company's capital was raised to 60 billion TL as it was classified as a state economic enterprise.

1985: Began operating Airbus A310s

In 1985, Turkish Airlines began operating Airbus A310s.

1986: Added flights to Singapore

In 1986, Turkish Airlines added flights to Singapore.

1987: Added route to New York City

In 1987, Turkish Airlines added a route to New York City via Brussels.

1987: Posted losses due to high payments on Airbus A310s

In 1987, Turkish Airlines posted losses, largely due to high payments on its dozen new Airbus A310s.

1988: Company posted losses in 1988

In 1988, Turkish Airlines posted losses, largely due to high payments on its dozen new Airbus A310s.

1990: Ordered Airbus A340 aircraft

In 1990, Turkish Airlines ordered five Airbus A340 aircraft with an option for five more to enable non-stop flights to North American and East Asian destinations.

1993: First A340 delivered

In 1993, Turkish Airlines received the first of the five Airbus A340 aircraft that were ordered.

July 1994: Launched nonstop flight to New York City

In July 1994, Turkish Airlines launched a nonstop flight to New York City.

1995: Capital raised to 10 trillion TL

In 1995, Turkish Airlines' capital reached 10 trillion TL. The airline also converted three of its Boeing 727s to dedicated freighters and posted a $6 million profit on revenues of $1 billion for the year.

1996: Domestic market deregulated

In 1996, the domestic market was deregulated, allowing new scheduled competition from charter airlines. Turkish Airlines entered into marketing agreements with other international airlines to enhance their competitiveness.

1997: Began flights to Chicago

In 1997, Turkish Airlines teamed with Japan Airlines to offer service to Osaka and Tokyo. In 1997, THY also began to operate flights to Chicago as its second destination in the US.

November 1998: Part of Qualiflyer alliance's frequent-flyer program since November 1998

Turkish Airlines had been part of the Qualiflyer alliance's frequent-flyer program since November 1998.

1998: Teamed with Japan Airlines to offer service to Osaka and Tokyo

In 1998, Turkish Airlines teamed with Japan Airlines to offer service to Osaka and Tokyo.

January 2000: New terminal opened at Istanbul Atatürk Airport

In January 2000, a new terminal opened at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.

October 2000: Withdrew from the Swissair-led Qualiflyer alliance

On October 29, 2000, Turkish Airlines withdrew from the Swissair-led Qualiflyer alliance.

2000: Miles&Smiles Inaugurated

In 2000, Miles&Smiles, the frequent-flyer programme of Turkish Airlines, was inaugurated after the airline left Qualiflyer.

2001: Antalya-Frankfurt route added

In 2001, an Antalya-Frankfurt route was added through a code-sharing agreement with Sun Express.

2001: Survived economic crisis and September 11 attacks

Throughout most of 2001, Turkey underwent an economic crisis, leading to a reduction in traffic on domestic routes in particular. THY managed to survive after the September 11 attacks on the United States without a government bailout or mass layoffs.

2003: Closed some routes due to Iraq war and SARS

In 2003, the war in Iraq prompted Turkish Airlines to close some routes in the Persian Gulf, while flights to Asia were suspended during the SARS epidemic. The airline also added service to Delhi after an 11-year lapse.

2003: Tourism was rising, with 12 million visitors

Tourism was rising, with 12 million people expected to visit the country in 2003.

November 2004: Turkish Airlines Flight Academy Established

Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA) was established by the 28th THY Board on 10 November 2004.

2004: Announced massive order of Airbus and Boeing jets

In 2004, Turkish Airlines kicked off another fleet expansion program. In July that year, the airline announced a massive $2.8 billion order of 36 jets from Airbus, plus an order for 15 Boeing 737s.

2004: Public offering of shares

In 2004, the privatization program was revived with a public offering of 20% of Turkish Airlines' shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, raising $170 million.

2004: Airline Orders over 50 Aircraft

Throughout 2004, Turkish Airlines ordered over 50 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.

2005: Divested holding in Cyprus Turkish Airlines

In 2005, Turkish Airlines divested its 50% holding in Cyprus Turkish Airlines (Kıbrıs Türk Hava Yolları).

May 2006: Flight Academy Training Begins

On 1 May 2006, Turkish Airlines Flight Academy started training with 16 cadets. The academy is based at Istanbul Atatürk Airport and uses Aydın Çıldır Airport for training activities.

December 2006: Integration process beginning in December 2006

Turkish Airlines started an 18-month integration process to join the Star Alliance in December 2006.

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 network

On April 1, 2008, Turkish Airlines became a member of the Star Alliance network.

October 2008: Picked as best bidder in auction for B&H Airlines shares

On October 29, 2008, the Bosnian government announced that Turkish Airlines had been picked as the best bidder in an auction for B&H Airlines shares.

2008: Boeing 777-300s Leased and Ordered

In 2008, Turkish Airlines leased three Boeing 777-300s and later ordered 12 more from Boeing.

January 2010: Turkish Engine Center (TEC) 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 to customers worldwide.

2010: Planned to spend on new technical and training facility

In 2010, Turkish Airlines planned to spend $350 million on a new technical and training facility at Istanbul's underutilized Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

2010: Sponsorship of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and FIBA World Championship

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.

December 2011: Unveiled plans to modernize Aden Adde International Airport

In December 2011, the Turkish government unveiled plans to modernize the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, which became one of the newest flight destinations of Turkish Airlines in 2012.

2011: Serving 14 African cities in 2011

Throughout the 2010s, Turkish Airlines grew its presence in Africa significantly, going from serving 14 African cities in 2011 to 52 six years later.

March 2012: Resumed 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: Sponsorship Deal with Euroleague Prolonged

On 22 October 2013, Turkish Airlines and Euroleague signed an agreement to prolong their existing sponsorship deal by five years until 2020.

2013: Increased number of flight points

By the end of 2013, Turkish Airlines had increased their number of flight points to 241 destinations worldwide (199 international and 42 domestic).

2013: Airline Orders Almost 200 Aircraft

In 2013, Turkish Airlines ordered almost 200 aircraft.

2013: Sponsor of Turkish Airlines Open

Since 2013, Turkish Airlines is the sponsor of the Turkish Airlines Open, a European Tour golf tournament played annually in Turkey.

2014: Kit Sponsor of Galatasaray

Turkish Airlines was the kit sponsor of Galatasaray for the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League and Bosnian club FK Sarajevo.

December 2015: Sponsorship Deal with UEFA for Euro 2016

On 10 December 2015, Turkish Airlines and UEFA signed a sponsorship deal for the UEFA Euro 2016, becoming the first airline sponsor of UEFA European Championship tournaments.

January 2016: Partnership with Warner Bros. for Batman v Superman

On 29 January 2016, Turkish Airlines announced its partnership with Warner Bros. to sponsor the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In the movie, a pivotal scene unfolds aboard a Turkish Airlines A330. That year, the airline also teamed up with a number of Turkish tourist agencies in the production of the romantic comedy film Non-Transferable.

Loading Video...

August 2016: Announced profit collapse to a loss of 198 million Euros

In August 2016, Turkish Airlines announced a profit collapse to a loss of 198 million Euros for the second quarter of 2016 while expecting an overall loss of 10 million passengers for 2016. Turkish Airlines also announced an overall record loss of 1.9 billion Turkish Lira ($644.4 million) for the first half of 2016.

2016: Flights between Turkey and the U.S. temporarily banned

Following the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned flights between Turkey and the United States. This ban was lifted on 18 July, and Turkish Airlines resumed flights to the U.S. on 19 July after a three-day disruption.

2016: UEFA Euro 2016 sponsorship

On 10 December 2015, Turkish Airlines and UEFA signed a sponsorship deal for the UEFA Euro 2016, becoming the first airline sponsor of UEFA European Championship tournaments.

2017: Financial results showed increase in turnover, and a return to profitability

In 2017 Turkish Airlines financial results showed an almost 35% increase in turnover, and a return to profitability.

2017: Announced significant reductions in operations for the upcoming 2016–2017 schedule period

Turkish Airlines already announced significant reductions in operations for the upcoming 2016–2017 schedule period with frequency cuts to 45 European and 13 intercontinental routes.

March 2018: Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 Ordered

In March 2018, Turkish Airlines ordered 25 each of the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900, which started delivery in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

September 2018: Sponsorship Agreement with Lega Basket Serie A

On 14 September 2018, Turkish Airlines and Lega Basket Serie A, the top-tier professional basketball league in Italy, signed a sponsorship agreement, making the airline an official partner for the 2018–19 LBA season.

2018: Air Albania was established

In 2018 Air Albania was established as a public–private partnership with Turkish Airlines.

February 2019: Partial Sponsorship for Drogheda United

In February 2019, Turkish Airlines arranged to become partial sponsors for League of Ireland First Division side Drogheda United.

August 2019: Main Sponsor 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 Deliveries Started

Deliveries of the Boeing 787-9 ordered in March 2018 began in 2019.

2020: Airbus A350-900 Deliveries Started

Deliveries of the Airbus A350-900 ordered in March 2018 began in 2020.

2020: Withdrawal from international routes at Sabiha Gökçen Airport

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: End of Sponsorship Deal with Euroleague

On 22 October 2013, Turkish Airlines and Euroleague signed an agreement to prolong their existing sponsorship deal by five years until 2020.

2021: Official Global Sponsors of UEFA Champions League

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 after UEFA agreed to sponsor in the next two seasons.

January 2022: Leadership Change at Turkish Airlines

On 26 January 2022, İlker Aycı resigned from his position as chairman of the airline. During the board meeting the next day, Ahmet Bolat was elected to become the new chairman. Bilal Ekşi holds the deputy chairman and CEO positions.

February 2022: Turkish Cargo Relocates to Istanbul Airport

In February 2022, Turkish Cargo, Turkish Airlines' freight subsidiary, relocated all cargo flights and operations from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to the new Istanbul Airport.

2022: Official Global Sponsors of UEFA Champions League

February 2023: AnadoluJet Spin-Off Plans Confirmed

In February 2023, Turkish Airlines confirmed plans to spin off AnadoluJet from an incorporated brand name into an independent airline.

May 2023: Purchase of 600 New Aircraft Announced

On 11 May 2023, Turkish Airlines announced plans to purchase around 600 new aircraft, which are expected to arrive over a period of 10 years. Most aircraft will be Airbus and Boeing.

May 2024: Turkish Airlines Operates 407 Aircraft

As of May 2024, Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 407 aircraft, consisting of 13 passenger aircraft types.

June 2024: Operates scheduled services to 352 destinations

As of June 2024, Turkish Airlines operates scheduled services to 352 destinations including cargo in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. The airline serves more destinations non-stop from a single airport than any other airline in the world and flies to 131 countries, more than any other airline.

December 2024: Guinness World Record title for connecting the highest number of countries

In December 2024, Turkish Airlines officially earned a Guinness World Record title for connecting the highest number of countries, 131.

September 2025: Firm Order Placed for Boeing 787 Dreamliners

In September 2025, Turkish Airlines placed a firm order with Boeing for 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including 35 787-9s and 15 787-10s, slated for delivery between 2029 and 2034.

2025: Turkish Airlines withdrew its shareholding in Air Albania

By late 2025, Air Albania faced financial difficulties and legal disputes, and Turkish Airlines withdrew its shareholding.

2025: Bids for stake in Air Europa

In mid-2025, Air France–KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines approached Globalia to present bids for a stake in Air Europa; by August, both Air France–KLM and Lufthansa abandoned negotiations, leaving Turkish Airlines as the only known remaining bidder.